The twenty-first International Coal Preparation Congress (ICPC) 2025 aims to address the latest technological advancements, operational challenges, sustainability practices and emerging trends shaping the coal preparation industry, says ICPC secretariat representative Jacqui Burn.

Serving as a “key platform” for professionals in the Southern African coal preparation industry, the twenty-first edition of the quadrennial congress will be hosted by nonprofit organisation the Southern African Coal Processing Society (SACPS), from October 13 to 16, at the Sun City Convention Centre, in the North West province, which South Africa last hosted 23 years ago.

Under the theme, Shaping the Future of Coal Preparation, the congress will bring together global coal producers, suppliers, government stakeholders, researchers and thought leaders to share expertise and explore innovations.

It will also offer opportunities for direct interaction among attendees, speakers and sponsors to foster collaborations and connections with potential clients and partners.

Discussions during the ICPC will span a wide range of topics, including plant design, coking coal, dry and fine coal processing, automation, waste management, environmental sustainability and opportunities in emerging markets.

Delegates will also gain insight into sustainable practices that are shaping the future of coal preparation.

Offering additional value to attendees, the ICPC 2025 conference will feature keynote speeches, technical sessions and an exhibition showcasing advanced technologies, with major highlights including successful applications of current technologies and “promising new solutions”, alongside strategies to support effective coal processing plant management and control, adds Burn.

Keynote speakers include coal exporter Richards Bay Coal Terminal CEO Alan Waller, global coal representative organisation FutureCoal strategy and sustainability director Paul Baruya, and diversified miner Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu.

“With a rich history of fostering innovation and collaboration, ICPC 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone involved in the coal sector,” says Burn.

Following the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to tour JSE-listed coal and energy group Exxaro’s Grootegeluk opencast coal mine – the biggest coal beneficiation complex in the southern hemisphere – in Limpopo, to gain insight into the mine’s coal processing techniques and sustainable practices.

“This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the operations that contribute to the global coal supply chain and to engage with industry experts,” she notes.

Burn says the SACPS continues to support the coal industry through education, including postgraduate bursaries for coal processing research training as well as knowledge-sharing workshops and technical meetings.

Demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to the sector, she says funds raised from the upcoming ICPC will contribute to postgraduate bursaries for candidates conducting advanced research in coal processing, among other key initiatives.