South Africa has 70% of the world’s ferrochrome resources and supplies 50% of global demand – a figure expected to grow to 70% by 2009.

Innovation and a focus on value-adding opportunities could see Exxaro capture a large share of a growing global market, following the launch of a business unit producing reductants for the ferrochrome industry.

The first plant supporting this vision is the char plant next to Grootegeluk Coal Mine in Lephalale. With first production in April 2008, and total production capacity of 140 000tpa, the plant will also produce and sell a tar production, while the waste gas generated in the process could be used to generate electricity in future through co-generation initiatives.

Staffed by highly qualified and experienced people, Exxaro Reductants has created 70 job opportunities already, with potential to quadruple that figure. Growth opportunities include the expansion of the char plant to supply the ferromanganese, titanium slag and platinum industries, as well as the production of market coke and hybrid reductants through briquetting and feedstock carbonisation.