Sasol’s newly launched destoning plant reports improved coal quality availability

South African energy and chemicals giant Sasol says it is making headway in its efforts to enhance coal quality and drive improved operational performance, following the launch of its new destoning plant in Mpumalanga.

Since commissioning, the plant has already helped support the improved coal quality availability at Secunda Operations, aiding lift overall production for the first quarter of the year.

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The plant, which achieved beneficial operation in December 2025, has contributed to a reduction in average ‘sinks’ (rock fragments or other impurities) to below 14% in the first three months.

The facility removes high-density stone from the run-of-mine coal sourced from the Thubelisha and Bosjesspruit mines. By reducing ash and sinks before coal enters the gasification process, the facility improves syngas quality for Sasol’s synthetic fuels and chemicals value chain.

The JSE-listed firm says the plant forms part of Sasol’s broader plan to strengthen, grow, and transform the business.

Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi has described it as a gamechanger.

“It is pleasing to report that the plant is already delivering meaningful quality improvements, with average sinks levels to Secunda Operations trending downwards,” Baloyi said at the plant’s launch on Friday.

In January, the petrochemical group attributed part of its recovery to the R1 billion destoning plant, despite some strain on the business.

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