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 Members Meeting 2025 conference
‘The event demonstrated the importance of fostering global efforts to advance the development of the chromium industry with strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, and further underscored the ICDA’s position as a leading voice for chrome in China and on the global stage.’
The ICDA Members Meeting 2025 in Ulanqab provided a valuable insight into the Chinese chrome industry. The event was attended by more than 150 delegates from China and other countries. It received support from the Ulanqab Municipal Government, the Ulanqab Ferroalloy Industry Association, the Stainless Steel Council of the China Iron and Steel Association, and the China Ferroalloy Industry Association. Xing Gang Lian, the world’s largest ferrochrome producer, also provided support and sponsorship. Xing Gang Lian hosted a technical visit to its Fengzhen production site and a magnificent Zhama feast gala dinner.
In his keynote address on China-US relations, Shaun Rein emphasised China’s innovation and strategic supply chain management as key to achieving self-sufficiency. China is a global leader in various industrial sectors, including new technologies, rare earth minerals, alloys, and steel. Professor Shi Wanli emphasised the importance of adopting an innovation-driven, sustainable ‘new development philosophy’ to promote the high-quality development of ferroalloys in China, incorporating energy efficiency and green energy utilisation.
Tina Tong (Fastmarkets) provided an outlook on corporate sustainability reporting in China, predicting that it will align with international standards by 2030. Han Jianbiao (ZLJ Steel) discussed the oversupply of Chinese stainless steel resulting from the global economic downturn, predicting weak domestic demand and strong external demand in 2025. Dr Gerhard Pariser (SMR) mentioned the rapid growth of China and Indonesia in stainless steel production, which has grown in the past two decades to represent 71% of global output.
Xinyue (Claire) Liu (CRU) provided insights into the current state of the stainless steel market, emphasising that China and Indonesia are the main drivers of its growth. Karoline Sun (Wood Mackenzie) also concluded that, while China is driving global stainless steel production growth, the significant penetration of production from China, Indonesia and other Asian nations may put pressure on other markets.
Nadia Vinck (Euroalliages) analysed the structural challenges facing the EU, stating that stable policies, simplified regulations, substantial investment and competitive energy costs are required to achieve re-industrialisation. South Africa’s ferrochromium industry is facing challenges due to rising electricity costs caused by mismanagement at Eskom, poorly maintained infrastructure, and systemic issues. Reforms and investments are needed to revitalise the sector, which the GNU could facilitate. Both Hugo Pienaar (Minerals Council South Africa) and Tanisha Schultz (Project Blue) emphasised that, although chrome ore is a star performer, reforms are essential to further developing the sector and supporting the underperforming ferroalloys sector in South Africa.
“The presentations and presenters were of very high standard.” “ The choice of Ulanqab province was great, this is an industrial hub, a center for benchmarking.”
“Unbelieveable support for all travel arrangements to get there and while at the conference.”
“Organisation from start to finish was at a very high standard. Venue location was ideal. Agenda was well structured.”
“Well organised and well attended.”
“Loved the speeches covered macro economy of several countries.”
“Good presentations and relevant delegates for networking.”
