Glencore Resumes Production at Its Lion Ferrochrome Smelter

Published: Feb 24, 2026 09:14

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News on February 24, 2026: Glencore announced on February 17, 2026, that its Lion Smelter located in Steelpoort, Limpopo Province, successfully completed the first phase of ferrochrome production on February 16, 2026, following the smooth restart of 50% of its capacity.

News on February 24, 2026:

Glencore announced on February 17, 2026, that its Lion smelter in Steelpoort, Limpopo Province, successfully completed the first phase of ferrochrome production on February 16, 2026, following the smooth restart of 50% of its capacity.

This milestone was achieved thanks to a 12-month provisional electricity price approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) at 87.74 South African cents per kWh. The Glencore-Merafe chrome project expects the Lion plan to restore full operational capacity by March 31.

Although the provisional electricity price of 84.74 cents per kWh enabled the Lion smelter to resume operations in the short term, it is still not enough to ensure the long-term operational sustainability of the Lion, Boshoek, and Wonderkop smelters. The three smelters require electricity prices to remain at 62 cents per kWh to ensure long-term commercial sustainability.

Therefore, Glencore will further engage in constructive communication with relevant stakeholders to seek long-term solutions that support the stability and feasibility of all smelters, and expects to reach a viable final electricity tariff solution before the February 28, 2026 deadline.

This deadline pertains to the Section 189 consultation process affecting the Boshoek and Wonderkop smelters, as well as Glencore's carbon business unit (Chartech).

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