[SMM Iron & Steel] Ferroglobe Warns of Smelter Shutdowns in South Africa Due to Power Tariffs

Published: Apr 1, 2026 11:57

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Global metallurgical producer Ferroglobe officially warned on March 31, 2026, that it will be forced to shut down its smelting operations in South Africa if it does not receive electricity tariff relief by April 1. The company, which operates facilities in Polokwane and Mpumalanga, stated that soaring energy costs have made continued production tenable. This potential closure threatens thousands of direct and indirect jobs and follows the broader trend of industrial contraction in South Africa, where only 11 of the nation's original 66 smelters remain operational due to uncompetitive power pricing.

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