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A sedimentary rock which is formed by layers of plants, mostly trees which have become compressed into seams in the rock. Coal is combustible as a fossil fuel and comes in four grades - Lisnite, sub-bitumious, bituminous and anthracite. Lignite is contains the least amount of carbon and anthracite the most. Africa is very rich in coal deposits and South Africa has two main coal deposits in the area around Witbank and in the Waterberg. Mining of coal employs close to 100 000 people in South Africa producing around 260m tons. About 70% of that is used locally with the balance being exported - mostly through Richards Bay. With the emphasis on climate change and the international shift toward renewable energy, the future of coal as a source of fuel is in question.

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