Offers of Minor Metals in Europe (2017-10-06）

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.