Bloomberg reported that South Africa’s second largest manganese producer Assmang Ltd will switch off the No 5 furnace at its Machadodorp Works at the end of the month because of a lack of demand, before reviewing the market again in February.

Mr Jan Steenkamp ED of Assmang told that “The stainless steel market started showing signs of picking up, but there is not enough demand. The Machadodorp plant will operate at 70% capacity after the closing.”

Mr Steenkamp, also ferrous division CEO at African Rainbow Minerals Ltd., which owns half of Chislehurston based Assmang informed that 2 other furnaces at Assmang’s Cato Ridge site will stay closed because of refurbishment rather than the demand shortage He told that “Cato Ridge will boost capacity use to 70% in January from 65% now.”

Assmang produces ferromanganese and ferrochrome, used to make steel resistant to corrosion. Hernic Ferrochrome Ltd., a South African rival to Assmang that shut furnaces in January, said on Septemebr 10 it had restarted two to meet improving demand.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)