Can export taxes save South Africa’s ferrochrome industry?

I participated in the Joburg Indaba Conference panel discussion about the impact of recent geopolitical shifts on South Africa and its mining industry. I believe that South Africa has to figure out the best energy mix to power its economy.

During the conversation, I emphsised that ferroalloy smelters in the country have been shutting down at an alarming rate due to electricity issues, and wind or solar power is not enough to resolve the challenges. Smelters need baseload.

I also highlighted that export taxes should be part of the solution to save South Africa’s ferrochrome sector, in addition to lowering electricity tariffs.