The idea for Lurco evolved out of a shelving company venture, a chance meeting of like minds and a shared Coca-Cola. Founders Ellington Nxumalo - an entrepreneur turned mining guru - and Aubrey Chauke - an accountant with a passion for business and development - crossed paths when an opportunity came around to supply coal to hospitals. Realising the synergies each brought to the partnership as well as the extensive knowledge each shared on the extractive and energy sectors, applications for mining rights began. Along the journey the duo purchased a shelf company called Lurco, which then resulted in the establishment of Lurco Coal (keeping the same name as it had already resonated with the market and had a certain ring to it).

The future of Lurco was truly solidified when Ellington and Aubrey were driving back from a particularly challenging extractive project. Sipping on the same Coca-Cola, both acknowledged the successes gained, the lessons learnt and the potential opportunity that lay before them. To grow a truly sustainable business, enhancing sector development and transformation, and harnessing the full potential of energy in action. These factors  - as well as an overarching focus on socio-economic impact - are still what drives the Lurco of today and the Lurco of the future.