South African chrome firms on Monday warned of more than 1 200 potential job cuts, citing power cuts, rising electricity tariffs and increased competition from overseas. The potential layoffs highlight the risks posed to Africa’s most industrialised economy by struggling state power utility Eskom. Joint venture partners Glencore and Merafe Resources could cut up to 665 jobs and have started consultations with workers at their Rustenburg ferrochrome smelter. Samancor Chrome notified trade unions about 599 potential job cuts at its smelting operations and corporate offices.
