Wonderkop and Boshoek FeCr smelters to idle, Lion smelter operational

Sandton  – The Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture (“Venture”) in response to prevailing market conditions, and advised of the commencement of the consultation process in terms of sections 189 and 189A of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995, with effect from 1 September 2025.

Over the last three months, the Venture has continued to review its operating procedures, in an effort to minimise the impact of the Consultation Process, and has held multiple meetings with relevant South African government departments, unions and employees.

Unfortunately, despite the Venture’s engagements with the South African government, no viable solutions or interventions have materialised to address the severe challenges impacting the Venture’s ferrochrome operations, with the most pressing requirement being the provision of a competitive energy tariff.

While the Venture continues to engage with the Government and expects further feedback, if this does not deliver immediate and sustainable solutions, retrenchments will commence within the upcoming weeks. Furthermore, the Wonderkop and Boshoek smelters will be placed on care and maintenance, leaving only the Lion smelter operational.