When it comes to the extreme demands of industry, only the best raw materials will do! At IMD, we pride ourselves on supplying the core ingredients that empower high-performance manufacturing.
Honouring Lasting Partnerships:
Over 30 Years with Standard Bank
IMD is proud to share a recent recognition of our long-standing business relationship with Standard Bank. We were recently honoured for over three decades of partnership, an occasion marked by an exclusive lunch for top clients and the presentation of a certificate of appreciation.
This recognition from Standard Bank underscores our unwavering commitment to building and nurturing strong, enduring relationships. Just as we value the long-term trust placed in us by a leading financial institution, we extend the same dedication to our valued clients and suppliers. We believe that true success is forged through loyalty and consistent collaboration, and we are here for the long haul to support your operations.
We extend our sincere thanks to Standard Bank for this special acknowledgment and look forward to many more years of shared success.
Cabinet Revisits Chrome Export Tax – Will This Time Be Different?
South Africa’s cabinet has once again raised the possibility of imposing an export tax on chrome ore, as part of a broader set of interventions aimed at reviving the country’s struggling ferrochrome industry.
Alongside a proposal to reduce power tariffs for smelters, the move is intended to incentivise local beneficiation and curb the decline of domestic value addition in an industry that once positioned South Africa as the global leader in ferrochrome production until it was overtaken by China in 2008.
The chrome sector directly employs over 25,000 people and generated R85 billion in export revenue in 2024, with 20.5 million metric tonnes of chrome concentrate exported (primarily to China). However, more than half of South Africa’s chrome furnaces have either shut down or been placed under care and maintenance in recent years, largely due to high electricity costs and logistical inefficiencies.
While the government argues that export restrictions could help drive re-industrialisation and secure jobs, the Minerals Council South Africa has warned that such a tax would hurt the profitability of chrome producers and lead to job losses, ultimately undermining the very objectives it seeks to achieve.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time such a measure has been proposed. A similar announcement was made in October 2020, but no tax was ever implemented. Many in the industry see this latest move as a last-ditch effort to rescue what is now a nearly defunct ferrochrome sector.
At this stage, we are awaiting further details from government on how and when the proposed export tax might be implemented – if at all. We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep our customers informed as more clarity emerges.
The Versatile Power of Micro Talc: Quietly Strengthening Industry at Every Turn.
Micro talc is a true unsung hero of industry, playing a vital role in countless applications.
- Plastics: Improves stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability.
- Paints & Coatings: Acts as a filler, improves scrub resistance, and enhances anti-corrosion properties.
- Rubber: Reinforces elasticity, improves processing, and enhances wear resistance.
- Ceramics: Increases strength and whiteness, and reduces firing shrinkage.
- Paper: Improves smoothness, opacity, and printability.
From enhancing the durability of plastics and rubber to improving the flow of paints and ceramics, micro talc is the unsung hero.
Built for the Heat: High-Performance Minerals for Foundry & Refractory Excellence.
Introducing two of our star players:
- Foundry Grade Chrome Sand: Known for its exceptional thermal stability and minimal thermal expansion, it’s the go-to for precision casting, ensuring smooth surfaces and robust moulds even at extreme temperatures.
- Andalusite: A powerhouse refractory mineral, andalusite offers superior high-temperature resistance and excellent mechanical strength, making it indispensable for lining furnaces and kilns.
These aren’t just minerals; they’re the backbone of durability and efficiency in the world’s most demanding industrial environments. Backed by IMD’s decades of expertise, we ensure you get materials that perform.
Got a demanding application? We have the solution!
For industry insights and news from the world of industrial minerals, stay connected with IMD. Follow us on LinkedIn and visit our website for more information.
Best Regards,
Independent Mineral Distributors (IMD)