Half-year figures from South African ferrochrome producer, International Ferro Metals, revealed some operational progress.
Indeed, the group successfully completed an essential furnace roof rebuild - although the consequent disruptions reduced ferrochrome production by 15 per cent in the half to 85,779 tonnes. Full-load throughput at the group's furnaces wasn't restored until midway through the period, although there has already been a marked improvement in furnace availability. And, despite the production shortfall, higher sales volumes were still achieved - mainly due to expansion into the Asian markets. Moreover, development of open-pit operations at the group's Sky Chrome mine is progressing according to plan, while efforts are also being focused on expanding underground production at Lesedi.