Plizio Visual Lab
Maloma Anthracite Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Maloma Anthracite Mine, located in southeastern Eswatini, is one of the country's primary coal producers. It extracts high-grade anthracite known for its low sulfur and high carbon content, making it desirable for industrial applications such as steel manufacturing and water filtration. Opened in the 1990s, the mine operates as an open-pit operation due to shallow coal seams. Annual production is approximately 500,000 metric tonnes. The mine employs around 600 people and has estimated reserves of 10 million tonnes, with a lifespan of over 20 years. Environmental concerns include dust pollution and potential groundwater contamination, but the mine remains a key contributor to Eswatini's economy and export revenues.
- Location: Eswatini
- Nearby: Hluti (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 125 | 93 | 84 | 48 | 16 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 29 | 59 | 102 | 113 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Situated in the southern reaches of the country, this pivotal industrial site is responsible for extracting premium-grade anthracite coal, supplying both domestic industries and lucrative international export networks.
Visiting
Due to stringent heavy industry safety regulations and security protocols, the mining complex itself is strictly off-limits to casual tourists, with access limited solely to authorized personnel and scheduled logistics.
Where to view it
Curious travelers can catch glimpses of the expansive mining infrastructure and the imposing piles of extracted materials from certain elevated vantage points along the adjacent regional public highways passing nearby.
Local products
Since coal is not a retail commodity for tourists, the local economic footprint is instead experienced through nearby small-town shops, diners, and support services that directly cater to the substantial mining workforce.
Active season
The mining operations typically run continuously on a year-round, multi-shift schedule, meaning the surrounding roads are consistently busy with heavy transport trucks hauling black coal regardless of the current season.
Nearby
Observing this industrial powerhouse can be an interesting contrasting detour when traveling further south towards the remote natural reserves, or en route to the bustling border crossings heading into neighboring South Africa.
Geography
Facts
- Annual production at Maloma Mine is about 500,000 metric tonnes of anthracite.
- The mine employs approximately 600 workers.
- Coal seams range in thickness from 2 to 5 meters.
- Anthracite sulfur content is below 0.5%.
- Estimated reserves are 10 million tonnes.
- The mine started operations in 1995.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Maloma Anthracite Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is mined in the Maloma Anthracite Mine?
As the name suggests, high-quality anthracite is mined here.
Is the mine a destination for excursions?
No, it is an active industrial site with security restrictions.
Why is the mine important?
It plays a central role in the local economy and export.
Is there a visitor center?
No, there is no public infrastructure for tourists at this site.
What is the area around the mine like?
It is a purely commercial environment that provides no attraction for travelers.
Maloma Anthracite Mine: where is it located?
Maloma Anthracite Mine is located in Eswatini.
Maloma Anthracite Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Maloma Anthracite Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Maloma Anthracite Mine, located in southeastern Eswatini, is one of the country's primary coal producers.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Eswatini →
Nearby cities
Nhlangano
The fourth largest city in Eswatini, its name means 'place of meeting' and was the site of historical royal meetings.
Hluti
A small border settlement in the south that serves as an important commercial center for surrounding agricultural farms.
Hlatikulu
Located on a ridge, Hlatikulu offers expansive views of the south.
Kubuta
A small place in the Shiselweni District known for its banana plantations and agricultural diversity.
Lavumisa
Lavumisa is an important border town with South Africa and a vibrant transit point for goods and travelers.
Mahlalini
A small community in the Shiselweni District known for its traditional lifestyle and agriculture.
🗺️
Lake Jozini
Lake Jozini is a spectacular reservoir bordering Eswatini and South Africa, known for its tiger fishing and abundant wildlife.
Abercorn
A historical settlement in the Shiselweni District that played an important role in the early colonial history of the region.
Nature
Pongola River
Forms part of the southern border between Eswatini and South Africa and is known for its fish stocks.
Mkondo River
A significant river in the south, which is a tributary of the Great Usutu and shapes the Shiselweni region.
🗺️
Mahamba Gorge
A dramatic river gorge in the south, where the Mkondo River cuts through mountains, creating a spectacular backdrop.
More places
Kubuta Historical Packing Shed
A relic of colonial agriculture that served as a hub for the export of bananas and citrus fruits in the Shiselweni region.
🗺️
Mhlosheni Historical Mission
One of the early mission stations in the far south, which played an important role in introducing Western education.
🗺️
Royal Jozini Reserve
A large conservation area near the Jozini Dam, home to elephants and providing a vital corridor for wildlife.
Grand Valley
A deeply cut valley of the Mkondo River that stretches across the south of the country, offering dramatic views.
Old Lavumisa Rail Station
A historical railway station on the South African border, which once represented a vital link for freight transport.
Lavumisa Freight Terminal
A significant land port in the deep south, connecting Eswatini with the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.
🗺️
Shiselweni Forest
The southernmost forest region of Eswatini, characterized by its hilly topography and significant forestry projects.
🗺️
Nhlangano Textile Factory
A key site for the garment industry, producing clothing for major international retail chains.