Story perspectives

Reviving Smelters: Bayoglu Urges Collaboration for Job Growth

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu spoke at Mining Indaba, saying improved Eskom electricity pricing could revive ferrochrome and ferromanganese smelters and create jobs.
Bayoglu noted gold and platinum prices remain strong, while diamonds face lab-competition challenges.
Bayoglu urged collaboration among mining companies and the government to address power supply and expand smelting capacity.
Bayoglu said re-industrialization is essential for economic recovery and job creation.

History

Historical Context

South Africa's mining sector, historically pivotal since the 1867 diamond discovery, contributed 8.5% to GDP in 2004. The Mining Charter aimed to enhance equitable access to resources. Today, Vuslat Bayoglu's call for collaboration reflects ongoing challenges, including electricity costs and the need for job creation, emphasizing the sector's role in sustainable economic growth amidst a backdrop of historical inequalities and labor unrest.

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Story summary

Menar MD Vuslat Bayoglu spoke at Mining Indaba, saying improved Eskom electricity pricing could revive ferrochrome and ferromanganese smelters and create jobs.
Bayoglu noted gold and platinum prices remain strong, while diamonds face lab-competition challenges.
Bayoglu urged collaboration among mining companies and the government to address power supply and expand smelting capacity.
Bayoglu said re-industrialization is essential for economic recovery and job creation.

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