The rise and fall of chromite sand raw materials are affected by many factors such as:
1.Unknown power: The intermittent power rationing of Eskom, the national power company of South Africa,
affects the operation of mines plants
2.Mine accidents/strikes: Major producers such as Samancor and Glencore have stopped production due to workshop problems.
3.and Eskom’s electricity prices have continued to rise in recent years (an increase of more than 15% in 2023), further affecting the pricing of chrome ore.
4.Impact of carbon tax: South Africa plans to implement a carbon tax
Inefficient ports: The port of Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa is seriously blocked, resulting in delays in the export of chrome ore.
5.Insufficient railway transportation capacity: The Transnet railway system is aging,
and chrome ore transportation is often interrupted due to obstructions or equipment failures.