The uncertainty of the availability of significant amounts of economically extractable coal reserves for future use means that the generally expected dependence on coal well into the foreseeable future is also uncertain. So it is imperative to re-evaluate the national coal resource and reserve base to assist the government in formulating an efficient energy policy with regard to future coal energy supply. In 1987, the Bredell report estimated South Africa's coal reserves as 55-billion tonnes and 115 billion tonnes of resources) is based on the Bredell report of 1987. The study to ascertain the amount of coal reserves and resources in South Africa is in progress. The efficient utilisation of coal reserves demands the production of different but very specific saleable products to satisfy the market requirements. Hence Bulletin 114 provides the required information on specific saleable coal products and generated discard coal that will facilitate the long-term planning and optimal utilisation of coal reserves.