Coal Mining in South Africa

Multiple Choice

Why is coal mining significant for modern society?

• It provides a major source of energy for electricity generation.

• It is used mainly for making jewelry.

• It is the primary source of drinking water.

• It is used to grow crops.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about South Africa's coal industry is correct?

• South Africa is the world's largest coal producer.

• Most coal exported from South Africa leaves via Richard Bay.

• Coal is the largest source of foreign exchange in South Africa.

• The Witbank coalfields account for 10% of South Africa's coal production.

Open Ended

Name two of the five largest coal mining companies in South Africa.

Open Ended

Describe the geographical distribution of coal mines in South Africa as shown on the map.

Multiple Choice

How did the contribution of coal to South Africa's economy change between 1993 and 2013?

• It decreased from R51 billion to R37 billion.

• It remained the same at R37 billion.

• It increased from R37 billion to R51 billion.

• It was not recorded in 2013.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are ways coal contributes to the South African economy?

• Job creation

• Funding infrastructure development

• Decline in secondary and tertiary sectors

• Contribution to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

Fill in the Blank

Coal generates over __% of South Africa’s electricity (ESKOM).

Multiple Choice

Which of the following South African State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) uses coal as a primary product?

• Eskom

• Sasol

• Transnet

• Denel

Open Ended

Explain how coal has contributed to the economic development of South Africa.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are factors that favour coal mining in South Africa?

• Coal is close to the surface and thus easier to mine.

• High number of labor available in areas where coal is mined.

• Results in a lot of air pollution.

• Good infrastructure to transport coal to power stations and for exports.

Open Ended

Fill in the blank: One of the main environmental problems caused by coal mining in South Africa is ___ pollution.

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: One of the main environmental problems caused by coal mining in South Africa is ___ pollution.

Open Ended

Discuss two challenges faced by the coal industry in South Africa as mentioned in the slides.

Multiple Select

Which of the following factors, as shown on the map, support coal mining in the Emalahleni region?

• Close to surface opencast mining

• Labour availability

• Good road/rail infrastructure

• High rainfall

Open Ended

What is one question you still have about coal mining or something you would like to learn more about?