Annual conferences
Our unique annual conferences are the largest gatherings of the chromium industry and offer attendees the opportunity to gain valuable market insights, hear industry experts, keep up-to-date with industry issues and to access invaluable networking opportunities.
Networking event & dinner
Cape Town, SA
8 February 2026
We are delighted to invite you to the 5th edition of the ICDA networking event and dinner.
It has now become tradition to meet with friends and colleagues from the chrome industry before the Mining Indaba week starts.
The South African ferrochromium industry is facing significant challenges due to high
electricity costs, structural issues and a weak global outlook. Despite the country’s abundant resources, there is a looming threat of further smelter closures, which could lead to job losses and impact the industry’s future.
Jurisdictions that rely on South African ferrochromium may also be affected should the situation take a negative turn.
The Cape Town networking event and dinner will provide an opportunity to receive the latest update from local industry representatives and stakeholders as we expect new developments by February 2026. The event is open to both ICDA members and non-members with seats being allocated on first-come, first served basis.
Register now!
AFRICA CHROMIUM WEEK 2026
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
14-16 April 2026
An overview of the world’s second largest holder of chrome reserves and the international chrome markets!
Home to the second largest chrome ore reserves in the world, Zimbabwe is a key player in the global chromium market.
To address current challenges, Zimbabwe has adopted a distinct strategy from its South African neighbour.
This strategy involves a chrome ore export ban, a push for local beneficiation, and support for the development of energy supply. To achieve these goals, the country is encouraging ferrochrome producers to build their own power plants while providing discounted electricity tariffs in the meantime and over a two-year period only.Additionally, Zimbabwe aims to commission additional energy infrastructures.
Zimbabwe has historically cultivated strong ties with China and is currently part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This close cooperation, based on mutual benefits, reflects in the local chrome sector, with most assets being Chinese-owned.
The panel discussions will address the following key questions:
– What are the prospects for Zimbabwe becoming a new leading ferrochrome production hub in Southern Africa?
– What is the outlook for open-pit chrome mining at the Zimbabwe Great Dyke?
– How will the country manage its Just Transition goals whilst ensuring a stable and cost effective energy supply for the development of the local ferroalloys sector?
– Will Zimbabwe ferroalloys producers be able to commission sufficient new power generation to cover their growing electricity needs?
– How will the partnership with China influence the Zimbabwe ferrochrome industry as well as trade flows?
– What are the global and regional prospects for our industry and end-uses markets considering the global economic, regulatory and geopolitical situation?
This event is an unmissable opportunity for those with an interest in chrome markets across the value chain, as well as in critical and strategic raw materials. The event will comprise panel discussions featuring prominent experts, industry CEOs, and leading analysts. It will also include regional outlooks.
Schedule
14 April 2026
10:00 - 17:00
Welcome desk open – Networking
18:30 - 21:00
Cocktail reception and welcome dinner
15 April 2026
09:00 - 12:00
Conference (including networking coffee break)
12:00 - 13:30
Networking lunch
13:30 - 15:30
Conference (including networking coffee break)
18:30 - 23:00
Zambezi waterfront Gala dinner
16 April 2026
09:00 - 12:00
Conference (including networking coffee break)
12:00 - 13:30
Closing Networking lunch
The conference is open to both ICDA members and non-members.
You will be able to register soon! Our dedicated team is available at admin-events@icdacr.com to provide assistance.
View the conference detailed schedule at this link.
Reflecting on the Chromium 2025 conference
‘The Chromium 2025 conference in Seville demonstrated the dynamism and resilience of the European chromium industry, strongly driven by stainless and specialty steel sectors and advanced downstream uses.’
Despite the European stainless steel market share having declined in recent decades in favour of Asian competitors, the European sector has demonstrated its ability to maintain its position at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Europe’s stainless steel and chromium-related industry is a key driver of competitiveness, employment, manufacturing output and innovation in the EU, and as such, it holds a strategic importance for the EU economy.
Over these 3 days together we have explored the following topics
• How geopolitics may redefine trade and demand,
• How leaders navigate volatility,
• Why sustainability ambitions must not be scaled back,
• Whether chromium should be classified as a critical and strategic raw material, and
• What market and regional outlooks tell us about the road ahead.
The event was attended by 220 delegates from across the world, with a strong EU presence. Chromium 2025 has received sponsorship from its long-standing members Acerinox and Cometal S.A., as well as from Fives.
One of the event’s key highlights was the Acerinox Europa technical tour, which provided 70 delegates from across the world with the opportunity to observe the manufacturing process for stainless steel flat products and several steps of the production process, including both hot and cold rolling processes.
We had the privilege of hearing Bernardo Velázquez, CEO of Acerinox, deliver a welcoming address in which he recalled the long-standing friendship and support of Acerinox to the International Chromium Development Association, of which Acerinox has been a member since 1989. He reminded the audience that stainless steel was first invented in Europe in the early 20th century and expressed his confidence in Europe’s
continued role as a pioneering and innovative industrial leader.
“The ICDA Conference 2025 in Spain was an interesting experience and provided with a valuable opportunity to meet participants from various regions and engage in constructive discussions.”
“Thank you very much, what a great event. We look forward to next one in Zimbabwe.”
“It was a great experience and a valuable opportunity to learn more about the chromium industry up close.”
“Organisation, venue, presentations, people…everything was brilliant!”
“Thanks for putting on a great conference – very valuable content.”
“As always, this is a very valuable conference for networking and staying up to date on latest market developments.”
