Sasol’s new destoning plant delivers improved coal quality

Energy and chemicals giant Sasol launched its new destoning plant in Mpumalanga on Friday (13 March) and says it is making headway in its efforts to enhance coal quality and drive improved operational performance.

The plant achieved beneficial operation in December 2025 and has already supported improved coal quality availability for Sasol’s Secunda Operations, helping to lift overall production in the first quarter 2026.

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The plant has contributed to a reduction in average ‘sinks’ (rock fragments or other impurities) to below 14%.

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It 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, it improves syngas quality for Sasol’s synthetic fuels and chemicals value chain.

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

Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi describes 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.

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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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