Eastern China Smelter Sells Crude Cadmium at Strong Price, Indicating Robust Demand

Ferro Alloys Corporation (FACOR), part of Vedanta, produced 24,000 tonnes of ferrochrome in the quarter ended 30 September 2026, up 26% year on year. Chrome ore production at its mining operations reached 50,000 tonnes during the quarter, while first-half chrome ore output totaled 202,000 tonnes, reflecting increased mining activity.​ The results highlight improving production at the integrated Indian producer, which operates chrome mines, a ferrochrome smelter and captive power facilities. Higher ferrochrome output could support domestic supply, although the quarterly figures alone do not establish a broader change in India’s ferrochrome market balance.

Afrochine Smelting has secured a US$155.5 million financing package for the 115 MW Centrachine Solar PV Project in Selous, Zimbabwe, following the signing of a direct agreement with project developer African Transmission Corporation. The package comprises an US$87.5 million long-term facility led by the Trade and Development Bank, a US$65 million bridge facility from Sinohydro Leasing International and a US$3 million facility from FBC Bank, underwritten by Old Mutual.​ The solar project is designed to supply electricity to Afrochine’s ferrochrome smelting operations through a dedicated transmission line under a 25-year power purchase agreement. Commissioning is targeted for July 2027, ahead of the previous October 2027 schedule. The development could improve long-term electricity security for the energy-intensive smelting operation, although its impact on production costs will depend on the project’s eventual operating performance and power-supply terms.

India’s chrome ore production increased 12% year on year to 3.53 million tonnes in fiscal year 2025–26, while ferrochrome production rose 10% to 1.49 million tonnes, according to industry data presented at the International Ferro Alloys Conference in Goa. The increases indicate growth in both domestic chromite supply and downstream ferrochrome production.​ The expansion comes as India seeks to strengthen its domestic ferroalloy industry alongside rising steelmaking demand. Higher chrome ore and ferrochrome output could support raw-material availability and domestic value addition, although the annual figures do not by themselves establish changes in export availability or the market balance.