Adramatic slowdown in global economies slashed commodity demand, leading to the temporary closing of metal alloy smelters across South Africa. However, with demand once again on the increase, especially from Asian markets, mining companies are ramping up production capacity. The world's two biggest ferro-chrome producers, Xstrata and Samancor, have now reopened smelters, and Harmony Gold's statement that it had increased electricity use in its second quarter this year is also an indication of increased production. The question that arises is whether South African State utility Eskom will be able to accommodate the additional pressure on the national grid.
展开▼
