About Us
Company Overview
About Babenakwena Mining
Babenakwena Mining (Pty) Ltd is a proudly South African junior miner with a strategic focus on the acquisition and development of local coal reserves.
Our operations span the entire coal value chain, from exploration, mining, and processing to marketing, mining support services, and logistics.
As a company rooted in a rich mining heritage, we continue to build on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and excellence.
- Exploration
- Mining
- Processing
- Marketing
- Mining Support
- Logistics
Our Heritage
A Legacy Forged in Coal
The name Babenakwena is derived from the Mabogoane Clan, symbolizing strength, resilience, and leadership.
The company’s founder, Michael Mabogoane, was introduced to mining from an early age, inspired by his grandfather, Johannes Mampshe Mabogoane, who worked for JCI at Phoenix Colliery—one of South Africa’s early coal mining operations.
This lineage defines our purpose: to grow a mining enterprise that honors tradition while embracing modern practices and sustainable growth.
32+ years in coal mining
Our Founder
Leading From the Ground Up
Babenakwena Mining was founded by Michael Mabogoane, whose connection to coal runs through his family. His grandfather, Johannes Mampshe Mabogoane, worked for JCI at Phoenix Colliery, one of South Africa’s early coal mining operations.
Michael has built more than 32 years of experience in underground and opencast coal mining at Xstrata (Glencore), Sasol Mining, Shanduka/Izimbiwa Coal and Mwelase Mining. Today he leads Babenakwena from the field: on site, in PPE, alongside the teams and partners who make every project work.
Michael Mabogoane
Founder & Director of Operations
Leadership Team
Meet Our Directors
Managing Director
Charmaine Mabogoane
- BCom Degree specializing in Human Resources
Core Responsibilities
- Corporate Governance
- Compliance to the BCEA
- Labour Relations
- Industrial Psychology
Operations Director
Michael Mabogoane
- BSc in Mining Engineering with specialty in Operations Management
Core Functions & Responsibilities
- Executive Business Strategy
- Organizational Compliance
- Marketing
Leadership Team
Michael Mabogoane
Director Operations
Michael Mabogoane is a highly accomplished mining executive with over 32 years of experience in underground and opencast coal mining operations across South Africa. As Operations Director of Babenakwena Mining since April 2017, he leads the company’s operational strategy, production performance, stakeholder engagement, and safety compliance frameworks. Michael brings deep technical expertise combined with strong executive leadership capability, having progressed from Underground Mining Official in Training to senior operational leadership roles within leading mining houses including Xstrata (Glencore), Sasol Mining, Shanduka/Izimbiwa Coal (Glencore), and Mwelase Mining.
Charmaine Mabogoane
Managing Director
As a managing director with experience in Human Resource Management and Finance, holding an Honours Degree in Human Resource Management, my primary focus has been on aligning organizational goals with effective human capital strategies. With over a decade of hands-on experience in various sectors and companies such as Anglo American; Glencore; Sasol Nitro and Columbus Stainless, I have honed a comprehensive skill set that encompasses talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management and organizational development. My role is to steer Babenakwena Mining (Pty) Ltd towards its strategic objectives and operational efficiency, embodying the company’s vision; values and mission ensuring the alignment of goals with business strategies. As the face of Babenakwena I balance the expectations of various stakeholders while driving the company towards sustainable growth.
Sustainability & Responsibility
Mining for a Sustainable Future
We’re committed to environmentally responsible operations that safeguard resources and communities.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Reducing environmental impact through efficient extraction and processing
- Investing in cleaner technologies
- Complying with all national mining and safety regulations