South Africa, the world’s biggest chrome producer, has approved measures to support the domestic ferrochrome industry including through an export tax on chrome ore, according to a cabinet statement on Thursday.
“The interventions include the proposed introduction of the export tax on chrome ore, the usage of energy efficiency technologies on smelters, and the adoption of cogeneration and self-generation technologies,” said Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu, reading the statement.
He did not disclose details of the export tax.
Chrome ore is a key ingredient in stainless steel, an essential material for the automobile industry. South Africa last year supplied 12.5 million tonnes of chrome ore to China – 83% of China’s total chrome imports.
Companies mining and processing chrome in South Africa include Glencore, Merafe Resources, Samancor Chrome, Tharisa, and Jubilee Metals.
