06 October 2025
Independent Online
by Nolwandle Ntshiza
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has issued a public notice inviting comments on a significant Cabinet decision directed towards revitalising South Africa’s chrome industry. This measure is part of broader interventions designed to enhance the long-term viability and competitiveness of the chrome value chain within the country.
The chrome value chain, a crucial element of South Africa's mining and industrial framework, has been grappling with a persistent downturn attributed to various binding constraints. These include rising electricity costs, considerable global market pressures, and the unregulated export of raw chrome ore. To combat this decline, the Cabinet has rallied stakeholders from both government and industry to implement a coordinated strategy aimed at stabilising and revitalising the chrome value chain.
In assessing the importance of the chrome industry, the Cabinet's decision recognises its role in supporting South Africa's industrialisation and mineral beneficiation strategies. By introducing export controls, the government aims to push for a greater value addition of raw minerals close to their source of extraction, an initiative expected to bolster local production and job creation.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is empowered to regulate the exportation of goods deemed essential for national interests. Consequently, a permit processing system for chrome ore is set to be established by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa.
Exporters will now be required to secure an export permit prior to dispatching any chrome ore. This procedural shift aims to ensure better resource management while considering the sustainability and economic implications of chrome ore exportation.
Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to engage in this dialogue by submitting their written comments on the export control measure within four weeks. This signals a pressing opportunity for stakeholders to influence policies that will shape the future of the chrome industry in South Africa.