Glencore-Merafe venture’s H1 ferrochrome output decreases as production costs rise

JSE-listed Merafe Resources’ attributable ferrochrome production from the Glencore-Merafe chrome venture for the six months ended June 30, decreased by 2.3% to 211 000 t, with production for the period equivalent to an installed capacity utilisation of 88%. Total production costs per tonne of ferrochrome increased by 4.8%, compared with December 31, last year, mainly as a result of a 5.4% increase in electricity in April, as well as an increase in reductant costs, which arose from a change in mix owing to availability.