Coal is well-positioned to meet future demand

I had the opportunity to speak at the 2026 SAIMM Pyrometallurgy International Conference about the growing role of coal and reliable energy generation in a world where AI is driving unprecedented electricity demand.

One of the key points I highlighted is that AI data centres and smelters share striking similarities when it comes to power consumption. Looking at the US, the world’s largest AI market, we can already see AI competing with traditional energy-intensive industries, such as aluminium smelters, for access to electricity. Major technology companies are often willing to pay significantly more for power than traditional industrial users.

I believe developments in the US should serve as a cautionary lesson for other countries, including South Africa. Our ferroalloys sector is already facing significant pressure from electricity constraints, and further reducing access to affordable, abundant coal-fired power could make our industrial challenges worse.

As AI infrastructure continues to expand globally, countries must carefully consider how they will provide an affordable and consistent power supply. In my view, this requires a practical approach that makes use of all available energy sources instead of limiting options before establishing viable alternatives.

View the presentation below: