[SMM Chromium Flash] ARM's Low-Energy SmeltDirect Technology Reaches Commercial Phase

African Rainbow Minerals' SmeltDirect smelting technology has entered its commercial phase, Mining Weekly editor Martin Creamer confirmed, following recognition at a recent Minerals Council South Africa modernization showcase. The technology, which had previously been described by ARM as ready for deployment following completion of a fully fundable feasibility study, now moves beyond that stage into actual commercial rollout.

SmeltDirect uses composite conglomerates, fine anthracite ore blended with slimes, in place of the lumpy ore and expensive coke required by conventional smelting furnaces. ARM says the process cuts electricity consumption by more than 70% and carbon emissions by roughly 60%, lowering the power needed to produce one mt of alloy from about 4MW under conventional methods to approximately 1.2MW.

The technology's progression to commercial phase carries particular weight for South Africa's ferrochrome sector, where high Eskom energy tariffs have driven repeated smelter suspensions in recent years. ARM has indicated the process can be retrofitted to existing smelters, positioning it as a potential lever for producers seeking to restore competitiveness without waiting solely on further electricity tariff relief.