[SMM Chromium Flash] Chrome Ore Outshines Broader SA Mining Sector on Sales Value in June, Stats SA Shows

Published: Aug 28, 2026 22:40 (GMT+8)

Save

South Africa's mining production fell 4% year-on-year in June 2026, according to Statistics South Africa, with platinum group metals (PGMs) the largest drag, down 8.4% YoY and subtracting 2.4 percentage points from the headline figure. Coal production declined 6.6% (-1.7pp) and iron-ore output fell 10.2% (-1.5pp). On a seasonally adjusted basis, production edged up 0.3% month-on-month in June, following a 5.2% drop in May and a 3% gain in April, leaving second-quarter production down 2.7% quarter-on-quarter.

Against that backdrop, chromium ore stood out on the sales side of the report. Mineral sales at current prices rose 27.2% YoY in June, and chromium ore was the third-largest positive contributor, with sales value up 49% YoY, adding 3.7 percentage points to the headline gain. Only gold (+125.7% YoY, contributing 17.1pp) and PGMs (+27% YoY, contributing 7.3pp) contributed more. Iron-ore sales value fell 16.1% YoY (-1.7pp) and other non-metallic minerals dropped 35.5% (-1.3pp), the only negative contributors in the sales breakdown.

The divergence is worth noting precisely: Stats SA's report does not break out chromium ore within its production-volume figures for June, meaning the sector's standout performance this month is a sales-value story rather than a confirmed rise in physical output. Combined with firmer chrome ore and ferrochrome pricing through H1 2026, the data points to a chrome segment that continues to generate disproportionate revenue for South Africa's mining sector even as broader production volumes soften, reinforcing chrome's role as a relative bright spot within an otherwise contracting mining base.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

48 mins ago

[SMM Chromium Flash] Global Chrome Ore Departures Surge 32.16% WoW to 849,100 mt, Richards Bay Leads Gains

Global chrome ore departures totaled 849,100 mt in the week ended October 9, up 32.16% week-on-week, according to SMM’s latest data. This is the highest weekly volume among the past 10 weeks of data, ahead of the 717,000 mt recorded in the week ended August 7. Unlike recent weeks, the increase was not driven by Maputo, as three of the four tracked ports posted gains while Maputo moved lower. Richards Bay led the rebound, with departures rising 182.76% to 270,600 mt from 95,700 mt, lifting its share of total departures to roughly 32% from about 15% a week earlier. The sharp swing, following a 57.99% decline the prior week, reinforces the intermittent, batch-driven loading pattern seen at the port in recent weeks. Mersin also climbed 92.24% to 111,500 mt from 58,000 mt, its highest weekly volume over the same period. Beira resumed shipments with 34,400 mt after four consecutive weeks of zero departures, its second active week in the series. Maputo departures eased 11.50% to 432,600 mt from 488,800 mt, and its share of total departures narrowed to roughly 51% from about 76% the previous week. The port nonetheless remained the largest single corridor, with volumes still well above the 340,200 mt recorded in the week ended September 25. Overall, the week’s data points to a broader distribution of seaborne chrome ore flows from Southern Africa, with the strength in total departures coming from the secondary ports rather than from Maputo. Whether Richards Bay and Mersin can sustain these elevated volumes will be a key factor for regional shipment levels in the weeks ahead.

48 mins ago

1 hour ago

Cast aluminum midday gains 0.67%, cost support pushes ADC12 center slightly higher [ADC12 Price Daily Review]

[ADC12 Price Daily Review: Die-cast aluminum closed up 0.67% at midday; cost support nudges ADC12 center slightly higher] The ADC12 market center edged up slightly today. SMM ADC12 price rose 100 yuan/mt from the previous day to 24,500 yuan/mt. Cost side, higher aluminum and copper prices pushed up procurement costs for aluminum scrap and copper alloy elements. Combined with ongoing invoice issues constraining compliant raw material procurement, enterprises still face cost pressure, providing strong support for ADC12 prices and leaving limited downside in the short term.

1 hour ago

4 hours ago

Baiyin Nonferrous Group Completes Tender Sale of 220 Tonnes of Crude Cadmium Amid Strong Market Demand

SMM News, October 12: SMM has learned that Northwest Lead‑Zinc Smelter of Baiyin Nonferrous Group completed the successful public tender sale of approximately 220 tonnes of crude cadmium over the past weekend. According to official information, the transaction price was concluded at a small discount to SMM average price for 1# cadmium. Market participants commented that given the recent strong cadmium prices, the completed tender at a firm price reflects robust market demand.

4 hours ago