Exxaro Resources, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed coal mining and renewable energy company, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, with R2.1 billion invested in social initiatives by the end of 2024. The company also reported a 5% increase in group revenue to R40.7 billion and celebrated a significant 28-month fatality-free safety record.
Despite external challenges, Exxaro’s coal exports surged by 37% in 2024, while its operating wind assets generated 725 GWh of electricity, contributing over R1.4 billion in revenue. The company’s net cash balance rose to R16.3 billion, and shareholders were rewarded with a final dividend of R8.66 per share for the year ending December 31.
Exxaro’s green energy business maintained an 80% earnings margin, with its 68 MW Lephalale solar project at the Grootegeluk coal mine on track to reduce Scope 2 emissions by 161,000 tonnes annually from mid-2025. The company’s wind energy projects are expected to be fully financed by 2031.
Outgoing CEO Riaan Koppeschaar, who will continue as Finance Director, expressed pride in Exxaro’s achievements, including winning the Top Employer award for 2025, signing a three-year wage agreement with coal-mining unions, and supporting small businesses, education, and post-mining economies.
Boosting Small Businesses, Education, and Farming
Exxaro supported 562 small, medium, and microenterprises (SMMEs) through local procurement from black-owned businesses as part of its enterprise and supplier development programme.
In education, Exxaro’s early childhood development programmes benefited over 2,700 children across 40+ registered institutions, with 180 teachers receiving professional training. Additionally, in January 2025, the company handed over the Martina Kekana school hall and four classrooms to Nelsonskop Primary School in Lephalale, benefiting over 1,500 students and teachers.
The company’s mineral succession programme has supported 662 farmers across 10,609 hectares of land, providing R63 million in funding for 36 agricultural projects. Of these farmers, 53% are women, and 24% are youth.
Recognising the finite lifespan of mining operations, Exxaro is focusing on post-mining economies by repurposing rehabilitated land for agriculture and commercial ventures.
In renewable energy, Exxaro’s Cennergi Solutions division partnered with G7 Energies on the Karreebosch Wind Farm, securing a 20-year agreement to supply 140 MW of power to Northam Platinum’s mines. With this deal, Cennergi’s total capacity will exceed 437 MW, and the company remains on track to reach 1.6 GW of managed capacity by 2030.
On the environmental front, Exxaro is actively involved in biodiversity conservation, including species relocation, wetland rehabilitation, and invasive plant management.
Looking ahead, Exxaro plans to enhance operational safety, optimise costs, and expand its clean energy portfolio, ensuring long-term sustainability while maintaining strong stakeholder value.
