MINING company Merafe Resources has reported that its attributable ferrochrome production in the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture has increased by 15 percent for the quarter to March compared with the March 2014 quarter. During the March quarter, Merafe produced 99 000 tons of attributable ferrochrome, up from 86 000 tons in the March 2014 quarter. The company, which posted improved annual results, said the increase was as a result of additional production from the Project Lion II furnaces. “The ramp-up of Project Lion II continues to be on track with these furnaces already producing about 80 percent of operating capacity,” Merafe said. “The venture’s total operating capacity utilisation for the first quarter of 2015 was 94 percent.” Merafe shares yesterday rose 1.32 percent to close at 77c. – Sechaba ka’Nkosi