Environment

Meeting regarding ferrochrome smelter leaves more questions than answers

By Bernard Chiguvare, Andries van Zyl • 6 September 2025

A proposed ferrochrome smelter in Musina-Makhado has sparked widespread opposition from environmental groups and residents due to significant concerns over water scarcity, power inadequacy, and ecological harm. Despite developer assurances, community members and legal representatives highlight critical defects in the Environmental Impact Assessment, demanding project revision or refusal.

The public-participation meeting held on 17 July at the Makhado Show Grounds in Louis Trichardt regarding a proposed ferrochrome smelter within the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) has left many attendees feeling frustrated and with more questions than answers. Numerous environmental groups have now joined a chorus of objections.

The meeting, convened by the Kinetic Development Group Limited (KDGL) and Gudani Consulting, aimed to provide stakeholders with an overview of the ...