Johannesburg, South Africa – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant supporting a feasibility study for the development of a coalbed methane (CBM) resource located in the Waterberg Coalfield, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The grantee is Anglo Operations (Proprietary) Limited (Anglo American Coal South Africa).

Anglo American Coal South Africa selected Arlington, VA-based Advanced Resources International, Inc. (ARI) to conduct the study, which will include the analysis needed to develop the CBM resource and incorporate the highest environmental standards. The project is expected to help meet South Africa’s demand for gas resources, reduce carbon emissions and expand opportunities for investments by U.S. companies and the application of U.S. expertise and technologies.

The grant was signed at the Anglo American campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. USTDA’s Acting Director, Thomas Hardy, and Anglo American Coal South Africa CEO, July Ndlovu participated in the signing ceremony. U.S. Embassy staff and Power Africa executives witnessed the event. 

“We appreciate the chance to partner with Anglo American to support the development of South Africa’s natural gas resources,” said Hardy. “This project also has the potential to create significant market opportunities for U.S. industry.”

Anglo American Coal South Africa CEO July Ndlovu said, “We are very pleased to partner with USTDA and ARI on this project, and the potential development of the coal bed methane resource. We believe that this will help Anglo American reduce its carbon emissions targets, stimulate the domestic gas sector and benefit local industry in the Limpopo Province, creating jobs for local South Africans.”

Jonathan Kelafant, Senior Vice President of Advanced Resources, said, “We look forward to continuing our 10-plus year relationship with Anglo American, and believe that the project could provide a major stimulus to the region’s nascent CBM industry.”