Glencore reports significant drop in ferrochrome production

GLENCORE'S ferrochrome production fell by 51% to 436 kt year-to-date to September 31 after operations at its Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters were suspended in May and June 2025 respectively, the London and JSE listed group said.

- EDWARD WEST

A SECTION of the Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture. Challenges such as high energy costs and increased competition from China have led to the suspension of the group's Boshoek and Wonderkop smelting operations.

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This was according to a report by the global natural resources group on Wednesday that showed strong overall production of its key commodities during the third quarter to end September 2025, particularly in copper and coal.

The lifting of the suspension of operations at the Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters depended on a sustained recovery in ferrochrome conversion margins. Operations at the Lion smelter were suspended for scheduled annual maintenance and planned furnace rebuilds, Glencore's CEO Gary Nagle said.

Meanwhile, the group copper production volumes increased 36% quarter-on-quarter after stronger performance at Kamoto Copper Mine (KCC) (66%), Mutanda (60%), Antamina (52%) and Antapaccay (66%). Zinc volumes tracked up 10%, while steelmaking and energy coal volumes were on track to reach the middle and upper ends of their respective earlier annual guidance ranges.