The South African government has announced new steps to reinforce the country’s chrome industry, inviting public comment on a Cabinet-approved plan to enhance the value chain’s sustainability and competitiveness. 

The initiative, led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, forms part of a broader national effort to promote mineral beneficiation and industrial growth, reports IOL.

Recognising chrome as a cornerstone of South Africa’s mining and manufacturing sectors, the Cabinet has called for closer cooperation between government and industry. The proposed measures focus on increasing value addition within the country and ensuring that more minerals are processed locally, contributing to job creation and economic resilience.

A key component of the plan involves the introduction of an export permit system for chrome ore, to be administered by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa. 

The government has urged stakeholders to participate in the consultation process by submitting written feedback within four weeks. Officials have emphasised that the proposed framework represents an opportunity to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for the nation’s chrome industry and its broader industrial ecosystem.

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