A tailings dam at Samancor's Dikwena chrome operation near Brits collapsed on 13 August 2026 after heavy rain, releasing a multi-kilometre trail of mineral waste and damaging Eskom infrastructure.
South Africa's high-carbon ferrochrome exports fell 20.8% in July 2026 as Chinese purchases dropped 27.2% month on month, while Japan's imports jumped to overtake Italy and South Korea as the second-largest buyer.
Sibanye-Stillwater chief executive Richard Stewart has pivoted the group away from its earlier global diversification strategy back toward its South African PGM operations and a planned doubling of chrome output.
Merafe Resources reported first-half 2026 profit of R512m, more than double the previous year, as a 75% jump in chrome ore sales and firmer prices offset a 75% fall in ferrochrome production.
Even as Durban wins praise as the world's most-improved port, chrome and ferrochrome exporters face vessel waits of up to four days and inland corridor delays that erase much of the gain.
Tharisa produced 39,600oz of PGMs in its third quarter to June 2026, up from 34,300oz, and kept full-year guidance, while warning that chrome prices had eased on weaker stainless steel demand.
ProposedIndustrial strategy puts chrome ore export tax and quotas back on the table
In forceNersa approves 62c/kWh concessionary tariff for ferrochrome smelters
In forceTransnet signs rail access agreements with 11 private train operators
In forceSouth Africa adopts its first Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy
JSE: IMPPGMsImplatsOne of the world's largest PGM producers, incorporated in 1966 and headquartered in Illovo, Johannesburg. Implats mines on the two richest PGM ore bodies, South Africa's Bushveld Complex and Zimbabwe's Great Dyke, and also runs Impala Refining Services, which toll-treats metal for other producers.LSE: JLPMining servicesJubilee Metals GroupLondon-listed metals recovery specialist founded in 2001 that treats surface tailings and third-party ore rather than operating conventional mines. It trades on London's AIM market and South Africa's A2X.
JSE: NPHPGMsNortham PlatinumA JSE-listed PGM producer founded in 1977 that has grown into a mid-tier miner with its own smelter and base metals removal plant. In August 2026 it disclosed an unsolicited, non-binding approach from another South African PGM producer and opened a competitive process for corporate or asset-level offers.
ChromeSamancor ChromeUnlisted South African producer founded in 1975 that grew through acquisitions into one of the world's largest integrated ferrochrome producers. It is headquartered in Sandton.
