Global furnace group boasts numerous projects

Local furnace supplier Tenova Pyromet is undertaking the design and supply of components for two ferrochrome furnaces for use at the Xstrata-Merafe Lion ferrochrome complex, in Limpopo.

Merafe output falls 21% on maintenance, power deals

South African ferrochrome producer Merafe Resources said Wednesday that its production volumes for the first quarter of 2012 were down 21% from the 2011 comparative period. Production declined to 65 000 t compared with 82 000 t in the previous...

IFM switches off furnaces in power buy-back deal with Eskom

Integrated ferrochrome producer International Ferro Metals (IFM) on Thursday said it had reached an agreement with Eskom to assist with the power utility's electricity supply requirements, by participating in its electricity buyback programme...

IFM engaging with Eskom on possible power buy-back options

London-listed International Ferro Metals (IFM) was currently engaging with State-owned power utility Eskom regarding its possible participation in an electricity buy-back programme. CEO Chris Jordaan told Mining Weekly Online that the ferrochrome...

Merafe says FY profit to fall

South African ferrochrome producer Merafe Resources is set to report lower profit when it publishes its 2011 financial results on March 6. The company, which operates in a joint venture (JV) with Xstrata, said on Wednesday its headline earnings a...

Expansion project on track despite challenges

The second phase of the Lion ferrochrome complex expansion project, in Limpopo, is progressing steadily and on budget, despite challenges arising from local community unrest, reinforcing steel availability and delivery issues

New wireless control system to boost efficiency

Wireless solutions provider Comsol started the R2-million installation of its new wireless multiservice wide-area network (WAN) solution at ferrochrome producer Samancor Chrome’s project sites, in Mpumalanga and the North West, in September.

NUM wants restrictions on chrome exports to China

South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on Friday called for “urgent” restrictions on chrome exports, particularly to China. The union’s national executive committee said in a statement that China was stockpiling chrome, mainly...

Political uncertainty hampering investments

Consulting engineers SRK Consulting is taking part in the Zimbabwe Mining Indaba in September, this time with a stand to engage with potential clients more effectively.

Competitiveness warning as cost pressures rise

South African ferrochrome producer Merafe Resources, the country's largest ferrochrome producer, which operates a joint venture with global diversified mining group Xstrata, saw its profit drop from R189-million to R86-million for the six months...

Phoenix project has smooth take-off

The construction of the chrome tailings retreatment plant (CTRP) at precious metals producer Pan African Resources’ Phoenix Platinum project, in the North West, has progressed well and is significantly ahead of schedule and within budget, says...

Merafe says ferrochrome output down 4%

South African ferrochrome producer Merafe Resources on Tuesday reported a 4% decline in half-year ferrochrome production to 150 000 t, from 157 000 t in the first six months of 2010. The company, which operates a joint venture with Xstrata, said...