About Chromite

Many minerals contain chromium, although chromite (Fe Cr2 O4) is the only commercial ore mineral. Chromite has several industrial applications, primarily based on its Cr:Fe content. High chromium ores (defined by having high Cr:Fe ratios) are used for producing ferrochromium for metallurgical applications such as stainless steel (such as making steel stainless).

Approximately 85% of chromite ore mined is consumed by ferrochromium producers and the balance is consumed for special uses (superalloys, special steels, plating). There are no economical substitutes for chromite ore in the production of ferrochromium, chromium chemicals, or chromite refractories at present. Currently, chromium-free substitutes either compromise product quality or increase costs or both. Demand for chromite ore is rising rapidly, largely driven by ferrochromium producers for stainless steel production worldwide, particularly in China.

South Africa accounts for more than 40 per cent. of world production of chromite and has approximately 70 per cent. of the world’s total chromite reserves. More specifically, the Bushveld Complex hosts a number of primary chromite mines, specifically maintained to provide chromite feed to the developing ferrochrome industry.