[SMM Chromium Flash] India’s Chrome Ore Output Increases 12% to 3.53 Million Tonnes in FY2025–26​

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.

[Secondary Aluminum Weekly Review: Weakening Cost Support and Subdued Peak Season Demand Drive ADC12 Price Center Lower] Aluminum scrap prices fluctuated at highs this week, with the price center tracking primary aluminum lower while showing notable resilience. As of October 15, SMM A00 aluminum closed at 23,260 yuan/mt, down 500 yuan/mt WoW from last Thursday. The price difference between A00 aluminum and aluminum scrap narrowed significantly: on October 15, the price difference between A00 aluminum and mixed aluminum extrusion scrap free of paint in Foshan stood at approximately 2,155 yuan/mt, narrowing 337 yuan/mt WoW from last Thursday; the price difference between A00 aluminum and shredded aluminum tense scrap stood at approximately 711 yuan/mt, narrowing 615 yuan/mt WoW.