The future of coal is increasingly uncertain. With the energy transition underway, many coal mines around the world are set to close, leading to massive layoffs in the sector. According to a study by the American NGO Global Energy Monitor, up to 15% of coal-related jobs could be at risk by 2035, and this figure could reach up to 1 million jobs lost by 2050.
China, the world’s largest coal producer, will be particularly affected by this transition. With an industry that currently employs 1.5 million people, the province of Shanxi, located in the northwest of the country, could lose up to 240,000 jobs by 2050. The trend towards automation in the sector and restructuring in progress explain these predictions.
India, the world’s second largest coal producer, will also experience significant upheaval. State-owned Coal India Ltd, which currently employs thousands of people, could see up to 74,000 jobs lost by 2050. South Africa is another country affected, with 48,000 jobs at risk in the province of Mpumalanga by 2030.
Faced with this situation, it is crucial to support workers in the coal sector and direct them towards jobs of the future in renewable energies. This is notably the strategy adopted by South Africa, which has planned an investment plan of $151 million for the energy transition, including a component on professional retraining.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the transition to green energy should generate the creation of 38 million jobs by 2030. It is therefore essential to train workers in the coal sector for careers in renewable energy , such as solar or wind energy, in order to offer them new professional opportunities.
The closure of coal mines is inevitable in the fight against climate change and the promotion of clean energy. However, it is essential to take into account the social consequences of this transition and to support affected workers by offering them viable and sustainable alternatives. Thus, the energy transition can be accompanied by a successful social transition that is beneficial for all.