[Ferro-Alloys.com]  The installation of new ferroalloy refining and granulation equipment at Mogale Alloys’ processing plant in South Africa has been delayed, parent company Afarak Group announced on August 12th.

It did not provide a reason for the delay.

The R170-million contract to install the equipment at the plant had been awarded to construction company Asenza and technology supplier Uvån Hagfors Teknologi in July 2013.

The equipment would complement Mogale's four existing furnaces, which produce low-phosphor ferrochrome and low-phosphor silicomanganese and would, once complete, enable a significant portion of the current ferrochrome production to be converted to granulated medium-carbon ferrochrome.

This was in line with the company's objective of providing niche products in mature markets to increase profitability and optimise shareholder value.

First production of speciality alloys had been expected by the third quarter of this year, but would now only start in the fourth quarter of the year, Afarak reported in a statement to shareholders.

Afarak stated that the delay would negatively impact on its results for the third quarter, but would not impact its full-year guidance.

• [Editor:Yueleilei]