A devastating fire at one of West Africa’s biggest mineral sands operations has forced French mining giant Eramet to slash production forecasts by more than half, exposing fresh cracks in global critical mineral supply chains.
Three months after flames tore through key facilities at its Grande Côte Operations in Senegal, Eramet says production has only partially resumed and remains stuck at roughly 30% of normal capacity.
The company now expects heavy mineral concentrate output of between 300,000 and 400,000 metric tons in 2026, a dramatic drop from the roughly 900,000 tons initially expected before the February fire.
Full recovery is not expected until the first quarter of 2027.
The setback matters far beyond Senegal.
