Mining of Iron Ore and Chrome in South Africa 2023

Challenges

Increasing input costs, in particular electricity, water, diesel, logistics and labour. Limited exports due to collapsing rail lines and ports used by chrome ore and iron ore mining companies.

Introduction

Chrome ore production is on an upward trend, largely due to growing demand in China. The increase in production in 2022 was mostly driven by higher prices. South Africa is the world’s largest producer and exporter. Over the past ten years, iron ore production has been in decline. Lower iron ore export volumes in 2022 were largely due to underperformance by Transnet on the export line and at the port. This issue affects chrome ore exporters but to a lesser degree as they have more export logistics options.

Opportunities

Increasing demand for chrome ore, due to rising ferrochrome production in China.

Outlook

Increased demand for stainless steel should lead to growth in chrome ore demand and, consequently, higher chrome ore prices. South Africa’s chrome ore production and exports are expected to increase in response. Exporters will increasingly use road transport to Maputo to avoid using Transnet’s rail and port services. The rate of iron ore demand growth is expected to slow, and iron ore supply is forecast to grow at a faster rate than demand, leading to lower iron ore prices. South African iron ore production was expected to decrease marginally in 2023. Beyond 2023, output will to a large extent be determined by Transnet’s performance.

Report Coverage

This report on the mining of iron ore and chrome in South Africa includes information on geographic locations, production and export trends, major players, corporate actions, African and international statistics, steel and stainless steel demand, prices, and influencing factors such as rail and port issues and input costs. There are profiles of 19 companies including chrome producers such as Glencore, Samancor Chrome, Anglo American Platinum, Bauba Resources, Impala Platinum and Sylvania Platinum. Iron Ore companies profiled include Kumba, Assmang, Afrimat, Ironveld Mining and Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine.

Trends

Chrome ore exporters are increasingly using road transport to Maputo to avoid using Transnet’s rail and port services. Most local PGM producers are increasing their production of chrome ore to increase revenue. Over the past ten years, iron ore production has been on a downward trend. Producers using the iron ore export channel are reducing their production levels to match Transnet’s performance. South Africa’s chrome ore production and exports are on an upward trend in response to higher demand and prices.