On June 26, 2026, South African ferrochrome producer Samancor announced the suspension of its layoff plan and the gradual resumption of smelter operations. The company directly employs approximately 2,230 staff and indirectly supports 2,665 jobs, while maintaining nearly 4,000 long-term mining positions across Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West provinces.
This move was achieved following a new electricity price agreement with power utility Eskom. The new rate is 62 South African cents per kilowatt-hour, subject to annual adjustment based on PPI + 1%. Previously, due to cost pressures, Samancor had initiated a Section 189A layoff procedure.
Union Solidarity stated that this progress helps boost South Africa's weak ferrochrome industry and hopes other struggling enterprises like Ferroglobe and Transalloys can receive similar support. The Glencore-Merafe ferrochrome joint venture also cancelled its layoff plan in May due to improved electricity prices; the joint venture directly employs over 2,000 people and supports nearly 24,000 indirect jobs.
Currently, industry focus has shifted to other ferrochrome producers with unresolved operational uncertainties, and subsequent developments require observation.