About Chromite

Chrome

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 making stainless steel.

Chrome ore is predominantly consumed by ferrochrome producers and the balance is consumed for special uses (superalloys, leather tanning, castings and metal finishing). There are no economic substitutes for chromite ore in the production of ferrochrome, chromium chemicals, or chromite refractories at present. Currently, chromium-free substitutes either compromise product quality or increase costs or both.  Demand for chrome is largely driven by ferrochrome producers for stainless steel production worldwide, particularly in China. 

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

Chrome Applications