Merafe reports sharp drop in ferrochrome production
2026-07-29 11:12:16 [Print]
Merafe Resources released its Production Report and Trading Statement on July 27, revealing a 75% year-on-year decline in attributable ferrochrome production for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Output fell to 28,000 metric tonnes, down from 112,000 metric tonnes in the first half of 2025.
The significant drop was primarily attributed to the continued suspension of operations at the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture's Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters, along with a partial halt at the Lion smelter.
In contrast, attributable chrome ore production remained relatively steady at 425,000 metric tonnes, a modest 4% decrease from 443,000 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the chrome ore mining sector is clearly benefiting from strong market conditions, as evidenced by a wave of expansion initiatives from industry players.
Northam Platinum reported a 49.5% surge in chrome output from its Eland mine, reaching 308,831 tonnes, which contributed to a 17% increase in the company's overall group production for its 2026 financial year.
Sibanye-Stillwater has set an even more ambitious target, aiming to double its chrome production to 4.5 million tonnes by the end of the decade.
The significant drop was primarily attributed to the continued suspension of operations at the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture's Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters, along with a partial halt at the Lion smelter.
In contrast, attributable chrome ore production remained relatively steady at 425,000 metric tonnes, a modest 4% decrease from 443,000 metric tonnes in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the chrome ore mining sector is clearly benefiting from strong market conditions, as evidenced by a wave of expansion initiatives from industry players.
Northam Platinum reported a 49.5% surge in chrome output from its Eland mine, reaching 308,831 tonnes, which contributed to a 17% increase in the company's overall group production for its 2026 financial year.
Sibanye-Stillwater has set an even more ambitious target, aiming to double its chrome production to 4.5 million tonnes by the end of the decade.
Ferro-chrome Indian Cr 58%min, C 8%max CIF China
Unit:USD/lb Cr
China low carbon ferrochrome producers' output statistics by province by month
Unit: mt
