Merafe reported that first production of ferrochrome at the company’s Lion II venture project with Glencore has been delayed. The company noted that it failed to withhold contractors over the December holidays, and a wetter than usual fourth quarter in 2014 also contributed. Merafe noted, however, that the smelter should be fully operational by mid- 2014. From the venture and current operations, Merafe’s attributable ferrochrome production for the 2013 calendar year was 319,000 mt, up 31% from 242,000 mt in the prior year. Sales in 2013 reached 319,000 mt, up from 255,000 mt in 2012. Smelting capacity during the period was 87%, and Merafe attributed better production and sales figures to a rise in demand and better market conditions downstream.