Key facts
- Transalloys has shut down its last manganese smelter in South Africa.
- The smelter ceased production on July 1.
- High electricity tariffs are cited as the reason for the closure.
- The shutdown impacts global manganese alloy supply.
- Hundreds of jobs are at risk due to the closure.
Transalloys, the operator of South Africa's sole remaining manganese smelter, has halted all production at its facility. The company cited high electricity tariffs as the primary reason for the shutdown, which took effect on July 1. This decision has immediate implications for the global supply of manganese alloys, a critical component in steel production. The closure also poses a significant risk to hundreds of jobs associated with the smelter's operations. The cessation of production at this facility represents a major setback for South Africa's industrial sector, particularly for energy-intensive industries that are increasingly struggling with the cost of electricity. The company's move underscores the severe economic challenges confronting businesses in the region, where energy costs are a substantial operational burden.