The introduction of South African coal export limits isn't "on the table" right now, but how the country will secure future needs, coupled with strong export demand, is an issue that needs to be addressed, South Africa 's Department of Mineral Resources said Friday.

"We need to find a balance but we are not yet at the stage of export or price controls," a Department spokesman told Dow Jones Newswires. "It's not on the table."

Earlier this week minerals Minister Susan Shabangu told a coal conference in Cape Town that the DMR will monitor the effects coal exports have on the economy, hinting that she wants to work with mining companies to address the issue.

"We will not allow a situation that will negate or impact negatively on the national project of economic recovery," Shabangu said.

The minister's comments came after South Africa 's main electricity supplier Eskom Holdings Ltd. said coal exports may hinder the energy producer's ability to meet all future consumption and that it wants "mechanisms" in place to protect its demand needs.

Coal accounts for 70% of primary energy consumption in South Africa , 93% of electricity generation and 30% of petroleum liquid fuels. Eskom produces about 95% of South Africa 's electricity output.

Shabangu said in 2009 South Africa produced 249 million ton of thermal coal, of which 74% was for local consumption and the remainder for export markets.

She said the country's growing demand for energy is resulting in coal shortfall risks, which is being compounded by the global increase in demand for coal.
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