South Africa’s mining sector depends on energy systems that work seamlessly from production to point of use with an increase in the reliability of enabling infrastructure, particularly fuel supply.  With this reality, Aston Energy operates as an end-to-end downstream energy partner, supporting mining customers from refinery production through to distribution and delivery.

Located in Cape Town, Astron Energy’s refinery serves a critical role in the national energy system, converting crude oil into refined fuels essential for mining operations.  From this point, integrated logistics, storage and distribution capabilities ensure fuel reaches mining sites reliably including those operating in remote and high demand environments. Astron Energy has invested significantly in the 100,000-barrel-per-day refinery, reinforcing its long-term commitment to South Africa, its people and its economy. 

Astron Energy’s integrated value chain strengthens its offering to mining customers, including supplying essential lubricants that support a wide range of on-site and downstream applications from its Durban-based lubricants manufacturing plant.

The company supplies more than 800 retail sites nationally, leveraging its supply network spanning 15 terminals across South Africa. This end-to-end capability, from refinery to delivery (including tailored on-site fuel management solutions), positions Astron Energy as a strategic partner rather than a transactional supplier.

Astron Energy CEO, Thabiet Booley, notes that secure energy remains fundamental to mining-led growth.  Mining cannot operate in isolation from energy infrastructure, and reliable refining capacity is essential to supporting production, safety and long-term investment confidence. According to Booley, “reliable refining and distribution infrastructure is essential to sustaining mining operations, investment confidence and long-term economic growth.”

Axola Myendeki, General Manager: Commercial & Industrial, says the company is focused on unlocking long-term value for mining customers. “We prioritise win-win partnerships that drive operational efficiency and long-term sustainability through integrated fuel and lubricants solutions.”  He further notes that for mining customers, certainty for fuel availability is critical to operational efficiency.

Astron Energy’s contribution extends beyond energy supply. The company is deeply invested in its host communities, recognising that business success is innately linked to social and economic development. The refinery supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs and promotes inclusive growth through initiatives such as the Astron Energy Development Fund (AEDF), which supports micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

Youth development is another strategic focus area for Astron Energy, with investments in STEAM education, coding, robotics and future-ready skills to help build South Africa’s next generation of engineers, innovators and technicians.

Booley says Astron Energy’s vision is clear; to be a leading African energy company that underpins economic growth, strengthens industrial capability, and delivers shared value to customers, communities and the country at large.