JSE-listed Merafe Resources’ attributable ferrochrome production from its 20.5%-owned Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture in South Africa fell by about 9% to 185 000 tonnes in the six months ended 30 June 2023 compared to 203 000 tonnes in the prior comparative period.
It said the drop in output was due to a planned pullback in production.
“Only the Lion smelter is scheduled to operate over the three-month high electricity demand winter season, a period of elevated power prices,” said Merafe.
Merafe’s attributable ferrochrome production from the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture had been on a downward trajectory as it decreased by 5% to 97 000 tonnes for the quarter that ended 31 December 2022 from 102 000 tonnes, a year earlier.
However, full-year production increased by 1.3% to 384 000 tonnes in 2022 compared to 379 000 tonnes for the year ended 31 December 2021.
It said these production levels were achieved despite the Eskom load curtailments that affected operations.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
