南非政府出台产业援助政策应对就业危机

Core Insights - South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, has introduced new policies to support the struggling ferrochrome and steel industries, aiming to save thousands of jobs amid a crisis caused by high energy costs [1] - The government has expanded the collective exemption under the Competition Act to allow companies in distressed industries to collaborate on energy procurement and infrastructure sharing [1] Group 1: Industry Challenges - Energy prices in South Africa have surged over 800% since 2007, severely impacting energy-intensive industries [1] - ArcelorMittal South Africa is projected to pay R3.2 billion to Eskom in the 2024 fiscal year, which exceeds the total salary expenses for nearly 9,000 employees [1] - The ferrochrome industry is in decline, with South Africa's smelting capacity nearly at zero despite having the largest chrome ore reserves globally [1] Group 2: Government Initiatives - The new policy allows distressed companies to jointly procure energy and share facilities, while prohibiting price manipulation and collusion [1] - The government has been using collective exemption tools to boost strategic sectors such as logistics, ports, and healthcare [1] - The energy regulator is expediting the approval of discounted electricity agreements for Samancor Chrome and Glencore-Merafe Chrome joint ventures, with hearings scheduled soon [2] Group 3: Industry Competitiveness - The South African mining sector's energy costs rank fourth highest globally among similar regions, significantly constraining the mining industry's development, which contributes approximately 8% to GDP [2] - In October of the previous year, the government included chrome ore in the export control list to combat illegal mining and enhance the competitiveness of the industry [2]