Liberty Coal is a leading South African coal producer serving both the domestic market and global energy sector. We are the proud owners of the Optimum Colliery, a strategically located mining operation in Mpumalanga, one of South Africa’s premier coal mining regions.


Liberty Coal is a leading South African coal producer serving both the domestic market and global energy sector. We are the proud owners of the Optimum Colliery, a strategically located mining operation in Mpumalanga, one of South Africa’s premier coal mining regions.

Ownership Structure

Ownership Structure
Since our establishment in August 2020, Liberty Coal has focused on responsible and sustainable mining practices, driving economic growth, and contributing positively to the energy sector both locally and globally.
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Coal Terminal (RF) (Pty) Ltd, holds a 7.74% equity stake in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), a globally recognised coal export hub that facilitates efficient international coal trade.
Since our establishment in August 2020, Liberty Coal has focused on responsible and sustainable mining practices, driving economic growth, and contributing positively to the energy sector both locally and globally.
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Coal Terminal (RF) (Pty) Ltd, holds a 7.74% equity stake in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), a globally recognised coal export hub that facilitates efficient international coal trade.


Liberty Coal Terminal
Liberty Coal Terminal (RF) (Pty) Ltd is a key shareholder in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), one of the world’s leading coal export facilities. Established in 1976, RBCT has grown from a 12 Mt/a (million tons per annum) operation into a 91 Mt/a state-of-the-art terminal with 24-hour logistics capabilities.


Liberty Coal Terminal
Liberty Coal Terminal (RF) (Pty) Ltd is a key shareholder in the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT), one of the world’s leading coal export facilities. Established in 1976, RBCT has grown from a 12 Mt/a (million tons per annum) operation into a 91 Mt/a state-of-the-art terminal with 24-hour logistics capabilities.
RBCT, located at a deep-sea port, operates on a 276-hectare site with:
RBCT, located at a deep-sea port, operates on a 276-hectare site with:
Liberty Coal Terminal’s ownership in RBCT grants it an annual export entitlement of approximately 6.5 Mt/a, ensuring efficient market access for South African coal to be exported by Liberty Coal to its international customer base.
Following the business rescue of Optimum Coal Mine (Pty) Ltd in 2018, Liberty Coal has invested significantly in restoring and modernising its infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and positioning the mine for long-term profitability.
As part of our commitment to inclusive growth, Liberty Coal established two unencumbered shareholding trusts:
1.
The Liberty Group Employee Share Participation Scheme Trust (5%) – Ensuring employees benefit directly from the company’s success.
2.
The Liberty Coal Optimum Colliery Community Development Trust (5%) – Supporting socio-economic development projects in local communities.


As part of our commitment to inclusive growth, Liberty Coal established two unencumbered shareholding trusts:
1.
The Liberty Group Employee Share Participation Scheme Trust (5%) – Ensuring employees benefit directly from the company’s success.
2.
The Liberty Coal Optimum Colliery Community Development Trust (5%) – Supporting socio-economic development projects in local communities.
These initiatives go beyond regulatory requirements, actively investing in education, healthcare, housing, practical and vocational training, and basic services to improve quality of life for our workforce and neighbouring communities.
These initiatives go beyond regulatory requirements, actively investing in education, healthcare, housing, practical and vocational training, and basic services to improve quality of life for our workforce and neighbouring communities.

Executive Team

Hlayiseka Chauke
Acting CEO

Ulrich Bester
CFO

Howard Pyoos
COO

Xoliswa Ndwandwe
Group Finance Manager

Executive Team

Hlayiseka Chauke
Acting CEO

Ulrich Bester
CFO

Howard Pyoos
COO

Xoliswa Ndwandwe
Group Finance Manager