Eskom 'hopeful' to get more coal from Gupta mine
The power utility says it's optimistic to still receive coal from Optimum Coal Mine, after the mine have invoked a hardship - or force majeure - clause.
Eskom's Khulu Phasiwa says they believe the next step is the mine asking to be placed under business rescue.
"We will see as to ultimately what happens there, but from our side - we do have an existing contract which is valid and which will end in December this year."
As the colder seasons approach, Eskom remains confident that Optimum will respect it's contract to supply 80% coal to the Hendrina Power Station in Mpumalanga.
"We are hopeful when the business rescue practitioners take over, they will come up with a plan to close that gap."
Phasiwa adds Eskom is also getting coal from other players within the market, due to the current dynamics.
"And as a additional measure, we are also diverting coal from some of near-by power stations to Hendrina so we can ensure we keep the lights on."
Optimum Mine CEO George van der Merwe told the media on Thursday that he is unsure whether the 2000 mine workers who have downed tools this week, will be paid.
The Optimum Coal Mine is owned by the Gupta brothers - with their whereabouts not known to authorities.