Merafe reports 95% year-on-year drop in ferrochrome output to 3,000 tonnes in March quarter

JSE-listed Merafe Resources reported that attributable ferrochrome production from the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture for the quarter ended March 31 fell to 3,000 tonnes, a decrease of approximately 95% compared to the same period in 2025.

The sharp decline in production was primarily due to the continued suspension of operations at the venture's Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters.

The smelters have struggled to remain competitive, citing high electricity costs. The venture and power utility Eskom have negotiated a special tariff of 62 cents per kWh for a five-year period, although the agreement still requires approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.

Meanwhile, Merafe's attributable chrome ore production from the venture for the quarter reached 214,000 tonnes, reflecting a marginal year-on-year increase of about 3%.