[SMM Chromium Flash] Kazchrome Builds 80 MW Power Plant to Recover Energy from Ferrochrome Smelting Gas

Zimbabwe recorded US$286.54 million in high-carbon ferrochrome sales between January 1 and October 27, 2026, according to an update from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ). The figure highlights the contribution of value-added mineral products to the country's mineral trade, as total mineral sales facilitated by MMCZ reached US$5.013 billion over the same period, up 107.9% year on year. The reported figure reflects sales value rather than physical production or export volume. Therefore, it does not independently indicate an increase in ferrochrome output or shipments. Nevertheless, it provides an updated measure of the commercial contribution of Zimbabwe's ferrochrome industry to the country's mineral revenues.

Tantalum: SMM’s assessment for 30% tantalum ore CIF China is US$241–246/lb, averaging US$243.50/lb, unchanged from the preceding assessment. FOB tantalum pentoxide assessments are also unchanged: 99.5% material is US$640–650/kg, averaging US$645/kg, while 99.99% material is US$670–680/kg, averaging US$675/kg. The CIF assessment covers ore delivered to China, whereas the FOB quotations cover refined oxide; their prices are not directly comparable. African Market: SMM’s Tantalum Ore FOB (East Africa) latest assessment at 2nd December stood at US$4.50–5.00/kg per degree, averaging US$4.75, unchanged from 22 October. DRC-origin supplier indications of US$4.50 and US$5.00/kg per degree. A Singapore-based buyer reported purchases at US$4.60–4.70/kg per degree for Rwanda- and DRC-origin material. These are among the market contributions reported by SMM. No separate new first-hand African offer or trade was supplied for this review. Niobium: SMM’s 2 November FOB niobium pentoxide assessments are unchanged. The assessment for 99.5% material is US$55–60/kg, averaging US$57.50/kg, while 99.99% material is US$66–68/kg, averaging US$67/kg. These assessments concern refined oxide rather than niobium-bearing ore or concentrate. African Metals News: Five consortia submitted bids this October to develop Kenya’s Mrima Hill niobium and rare-earth deposit. The expected preferred bidder is to be selected within two to three weeks. The bids indicate investor interest but do not establish a project award, financing or additional mineral supply. Development would depend on technical studies, approvals and a viable processing route.

Kazchrome’s Bolashak underground mine at the Donskoy Mining and Processing Plant in Kazakhstan has produced its first 1 million mt of ore in less than two years since commissioning, marking a key milestone in the development of the company’s chrome ore operations. The mine has a designed annual capacity of 7.5 million mt, with Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) investing more than KZT 1 trillion in its construction and ramp-up. The mine’s development has faced operational challenges, including a temporary suspension following the detection of hydrogen in the underground workings. Production subsequently resumed after safety measures were implemented. Since May 2026, the mine has also introduced the Sublevel Caving method in new mining areas, supported by mechanized equipment. Kazchrome said its next priority is to improve production stability, safety and efficiency as the mine progresses towards its designed capacity.