Annual Conferences

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.

Fully booked!

Networking event and dinner

The world is changing rapidly. The Cape Town networking event and dinner will provide an ideal opportunity to evaluate progress against analysts’ expectations and take a fresh look at the market situation following the start of the new year.

The fourth edition of the ICDA networking dinner and event will take place in Cape Town, 3 February 2025.

Members Meeting 2025

Ulanqab, PR China

13-15 May 2025

An outlook of China and International chrome markets!

Ulanqab is the heart of China’s ferroalloys sector and home to ferrochromium production. Strategically located in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, 400 km from the Tianjin port and with access to stable energy grids along with potential green energy developments, Ulanqab is a critical area for the Chinese ferrochromium industry. It has seen massive capacity expansion in recent years.

The event is sponsored by Xin Gang Lian, the world’s largest ferrochromium producer, who will be hosting a technical site visit to their new ferrochromium plant on 13th May 2025.While the conference is open to both ICDA members and non-members, the technical tour is exclusively for ICDA members.

Event key features:

– Engage with local ferrochrome and stainless steel industry representatives and stakeholders;

– Gain insight into the latest market updates across the industry and the broader economic landscape;

– Learn about China’s approach to green transition in the chrome and stainless steel industry;

– Get the latest update on China’s Belt and Road initiative and what implications it could have for commodities markets.

– In the face of recent market challenges, including oversupply and subdued demand, what is the outlook for recovery?

 

 

Schedule

13 May 2025

13:00 - 17:30

Xin Gang Lian ferrochromium plant visit (ICDA members exclusive)

18:45 - 21:00

Cocktail reception and welcome dinner

14 May 2025

09:00 - 13:30

Conference (including networking coffee break)

13:30 - 14:30

Networking lunch

14:30 - 16:30

Conference (including networking coffee break)

18:30 - 23:30

Gala dinner

15 May 2025

09:00 - 12:30

Conference (including networking coffee break)

12:30 - 13:30

Closing Networking lunch

The conference is open to both ICDA members and non-members.

Register now! Our dedicated team is available at admin-events@icdacr.com to provide assistance.

A comprehensive programme, including the names of our prestigious speakers, will be published in due course.

Reflecting on the Chromium 2024 conference

‘Despite the global economic uncertainties, China and Southern Africa are set to be the driving forces within the chromium market, the importance of which remains critical to economic development and for strategic as well as sustainable applications.’

The recent event in Cape Town, South Africa, was another highly successful conference, underlining the ICDA’s position as the foremost global forum for the chromium industry since 1984.

The event, which was attended by more than 240 delegates from across the global chromium value chain, marked the conclusion of a year of celebrations for the ICDA’s 40th anniversary.

The event provided an opportunity to recall the ICDA’s history and give tribute to its founders, as well as to welcome new members and acknowledge the contribution of chromium and raw materials to the development of sustainable societies.

It is challenging to envision a world without metals, the transportation you rely on daily, the food that is safely processed, the energy that powers our homes and appliances, the water that is brought to you safely, the hygienic medical applications, and the sustainability transition. These are all things that we often take for granted, but they would not be possible without the dedicated professionals working in the mining and metals industries. You are driving force that will shape the future of the chromium industry. I am pleased to see that the founders’ values and energy have been kept alive and passed on to youZelda du Preez, ICDA President

According to Dr Christie Viljoen, The global Megatrends have already changed and will continue to change societies for many years to come, amongst these climate change will have significant social consequences. He recalled that the mining sector in South Africa is a major driver of the economy and sustains millions of livelihoods through its products, day-to-day operational expenses and the employment it creates

We were delighted to have the opportunity to host several experts in the global chrome industry including Andy Tian (XGL) Clara Sadomba (Silvergill) as well as some of the leading analysts in the world of mining and metals, Tanya Atalay (ICDA), Luke Nickels (CRU), Tanisha Grace Schultz (project Blue), Dr Gerhard Pariser (SMR). 

There is a general consensus that global sustainability goals and geopolitical challenges will continue to strongly shape markets. Economic factors are having an impact on demand in a market that has seen significantly increased capacity development over the last decade.Systemic issues are also a potential threat to South African ferrochrome recovery, a topic that was extensively discussed during the SA session, which was led by several prominent local experts, Peter Major (Modern Corporate Solutions), Hugo Pienaar (Minerals Council South Africa), Robert Futter (Cresco), Henk Bouwer (ARM), Johan Strydom (Columbus Stainless). While there is a glimmer of hope that the GNU could invigorate the sector, a critical question remains: will this be sufficient to counterbalance the dominance of China’s ferrochrome industry?

Delegates had the opportunity to attend a session focusing on Southern African port questions, For Marla Calado (MPDC)  and Athol Emerton (LBH), the MPDC is a safe gateway for South African chrome ore and ferrochrome exports, given the systemic issues faced by SA ports. Charlotte Schmitt (Seamaster) presented a comprehensive overview of the various ports in SA, along with an analysis of the impact of road and rail challenges on SA exports

The event offered excellent networking opportunities, including a cocktail reception, a gala dinner, two networking lunches, and dedicated networking areas. Attendees were invited to experience a virtual reality journey through time, delving into the history of the ICDA. The gala dinner, which marked the conclusion of the 40-year celebration and the commencement of a new chapter in the ICDA’s history, was a standout occasion.

Excellent platform for connection with who is who in the ferrochrome industry – speakers were of a high caliber and conversant with topics of presentations.

Reuben Zengeni

Zimasco

“I have enjoyed the members meeting very much, as usual.”

Lars Heck

Metal Partner GmbH

Organisation from start to finish was at a very high standard. Venue location was ideal. Agenda was well structured.”

 
Anonymous feedback

Chrome chemicals sector

“The event was well organised. all details were clear and concise. time management was very good. the venues were superb.”

Pamela Yerushalmy

Reload Logistics

“Meeting with likeminded industry professionals and key decision makers. Also better understanding the micro & macro dynamics of the Cr markets.”

Zak van der Westhuizen

Metix (SMS Group)

“Good presentations and relevant delegates for networking.”

Vuslat Bayoglu

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