Eskom’s ash beneficiation programme is a key initiative aimed at transforming coal ash waste into valuable resources while reducing environmental impact. This 2025 update outlines how Eskom is improving ash utilisation through strategic partnerships, operational efficiencies, and market expansion.

As one of the largest ash producers in Africa, Eskom is focused on reducing disposal costs, extending the lifespan of ash dams, and unlocking new revenue streams. The programme highlights opportunities in construction, mining, and agriculture, while also addressing challenges such as limited infrastructure, declining demand, and operational constraints.

Key Insights / Summary

Key Topics Covered:

  • Strategic goals: reduce costs, increase revenue, and minimise environmental impact

  • Large-scale ash production with limited current utilisation capacity

  • Majority of ash currently used in cement and brick manufacturing (≈72%)

  • Sales volumes stagnant at around 4 million tons annually due to market constraints

  • Key challenges include load shedding, infrastructure limitations, and declining construction demand

  • Expansion into new markets such as road construction, mine backfilling, and soil improvement

  • Competitive tendering process ensures fair access to ash resources

  • Growing need for diversification beyond traditional cementitious applications

Industry Relevance

  • Highlights the need to diversify ash applications beyond cement markets

  • Emphasises infrastructure investment as a key driver for ash utilisation

  • Supports circular economy and waste-to-resource strategies in South Africa

  • Provides insights into operational and market challenges affecting beneficiation

Related Resources

  • Ash Beneficiation at Scale: Sasol Case Study & Global Utilisation Trends

  • Ash Beneficiation in Construction and Mining: Sustainable Materials & Low-Carbon Innovation

  • Ash in Soil Amelioration: Improving Soil Health with Fly Ash Applications

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