About 1,500 jobs could be lost, if negotiations to lower the tariff for ferrochrome smelters does not progress.
Glencore Merafe welcomed the support of a negotiated tariff of 62c / KWh for electricity.
The decision to throw smelters a lifeline, came from the Government and Eskom.
Glencore said in a statement last month, “if the agreement on the terms and conditions and implementation of the 62c/KWh is not reached on or before the 31st March 2026, the venture will have to proceed with terminations in accordance Section 189.”
The tariffs were introduced by Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, at a media briefing earlier in March.
Ramokgopa said the electricity tariff framework aims to stabilise South Africa’s ferrochrome industry.
The sector was hampered by rising electricity costs and challenging market conditions.