It is reported that Assmang has been hurt by declining consumption of ferromanganese, used to harden steel, and chrome, added to steel to make it resistant to corrosion. As per report, it shut 5 of its 6 charge chrome furnaces at the Machadodorp Works.

Mr Jan Steenkamp executive director of Assmang said that Cato Ridge is running at 60% capacity, with the number 1, 2 and 6 ferromanganese furnaces operating. The number 5 high carbon ferromanganese unit was shut April 7th 2009 after the closure of the number 3 and number 4 units.

He added that Assmang hasn't finalized the number of job cuts at its Black Rock manganese mine.

(Sourced from www.businessday.co.za)