CHROMITE

Indian Minerals
Yearbook 2014
(Part- III : Mineral Reviews)

53rd Edition

CHROMITE
(ADVANCE RELEASE)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES

Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines,

NAGPUR – 440 001

PHONE/FAX NO. (0712) 2565471

PBX : (0712) 2562649, 2560544, 2560648
E-MAIL : [email protected]
Website: www.ibm.gov.in

December, 2015

9-1
 CHROMITE

9 Chromite
pyroxenite.The details of exploration activities are
C hromium (Cr) is the single commercially
viable ore of chromium which is chemically
known as iron chromium oxide(Fe Cr2O4) Chromium
given in Table -2.

was first discovered in Siberian red lead ore

(crocoite) in 1798 by the French chemist,
PRODUCTION, STOCKS &
Vauquelin. The name of the element is derived from PRICES
the Greek word 'chrôma', meaning colour, because
many of its compounds are intensely coloured. The production of chromite was 2,853
Chromium is a chemical element with symbol Cr thousand tonnes during 2013-14 which increased
and atomic number 24. It is the first element in by 1% as compared to that in the previous year.
Group 6. It is a steely-grey, lustrous, hard and
The number of reporting mines were 26 in
brittle metal which takes a high polish, resists
tarnishing, and has a high melting point. 2013-14 as compared to 25 in the preceding year.
Five principal producers operating 17 mines
together accounted for 92% of the total
RESOURCES production during the year. The contribution of 5
mines, each producing more than one lakh tonnes
As per UNFC system, the total resources of per annum, was 81% of the total production.
chromite in the country as on 1.4.2010 was
estimated at 203 million tonnes with 54 million
tonnes as Reserves (27%) and 149 million tonnes
as Remaining Resources (73%). More than 93%
resources of chromite are located in Odisha,
mostly in the Sukinda valley in Cuttack and Jajpur
districts. Minor deposits are scattered over
M a n i p u r, N a g a l a n d , K a r n a t a k a , J h a r k h a n d ,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Gradewise, charge-chrome grade accounts for 36%
resources followed by ferro-chrome grade (19%),
beneficiable grade (17% ) and refractory grade 5%.
Low, Others, Unclassified and Not-known grades
together account for 23% (Table-1).

EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT

GSI carried out exploration for chromite in

Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh,Chandel
district of Manipur and in Dhenkanal district of
Odisha. by anorthosite,leucogabbro,gabbro and

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 Table – 1 : Reserves/Resources of Chromite as on 1.4.2010
(By Grades/States)
(In '000 tonnes)

Reserves Remaining resources

Total
Grade/State Proved Probable Total Feasibility Pre-feasibility Measured Indicated Inferred Reconnaissance Total resources
STD111 (A) STD211 STD331 STD332 STD333 STD334 (B) (A+B)
STD121 STD122 STD221 STD222

All India : Total 31652 7165 15153 53970 1371 1407 4431 31787 36525 52497 21359 149377 203347

By Grades

Refractory 4074 923 704 5701 547 - - 15 240 3262 - 4064 9765

Charge chrome 10984 868 9565 21417 495 1107 1679 6332 29840 11508 - 50961 72378

Low 26 27 - 53 - - - - - 3713 - 3713 3766

Beneficiable 8245 2912 2668 13825 255 279 710 12457 1843 5610 - 21154 34979

Ferro chrome 6304 1689 1353 9346 74 20 88 12805 2794 13280 - 29061 38407

Others 175 746 - 921 - - - 168 15 - - 183 1104

9-3
Unclassified 1844 - 863 2707 - - 1953 9 1778 14963 21359 40062 42769
CHROMITE

Not-known - - - - - 1 1 - 16 161 - 179 179

By States

Andhra Pradesh - - - - - - - - 15 172 - 187 187

Jharkhand - - - - - - - 15 98 623 - 736 736

Karnataka 333 395 17 745 250 218 96 - 20 303 - 887 1632

Maharashtra 53 23 - 76 5 - - 43 67 441 - 556 632

Manipur 3 21 52 76 - - - - 529 6052 - 6581 6657

Nagaland - - - - - - - - - 3200 - 3200 3200

Odisha 31263 6725 15085 53073 1116 1189 4335 31722 35796 41431 21359 136948 190021

Tamil Nadu - - - - - - - 7 - 276 - 283 283

Figures rounded off.

 CHROMITE

Table – 2 : Details of Exploration Activities for Chromite, 2013-14

Agency/ Location Mapping Drilling

State/ Area/ Sampling Remarks
District Block Scale Area No. of Meterage (No.) Reserves/Resources estimated
(sq km) boreholes

GSI
Andhra Pradesh Chimalpad 1:50,000 300.0 - - 197 Reconnaissance stage (G-4) investigation
Khamam Ultramafic 1:2,000 80.0 was carried out to delineate mineralised
Complex zone of chromite & PGE & associated
minerals. The chromite occurs as
podiform lenses within the ultramafic
units viz. dunite, pyroxenite, websterite
and talc-tremolite schist. The zone rich
in mafic and felsic layering in the
periphery of the Chimalpad Ultramafic
Complex near Burdharaghavpuram,
Chimalpad, Rangapuram, Ramanapalem
areas have been found as favourable lo-
cations to assess PGE. Confirmation by
analytical data is yet to be done.
The investigation is likely to continue
in 2014-15.

Manipur Mantum 1:2,000 4.89 - - - Reconnaissance stage (G-4) investiga-

Chandel Ching block tion was carried out to delineate chromite
Kudengthabi area bodies within meta ultramafic emplaced
in the Tertiary sedimentary sequence.
Chromite are observed within the ultra
mafics are peridotite, dunite, harzburgite,
pyroxenite, etc. The magnetic contour
map brings out distinctly the magnetic
variations over ultramafic bodies and
ultramafics having chromite minerali-
sation. Investigation has been completed.

Odisha Tulasipasi, 1:2,000 1.14 - - 122 Reconnaissance stage (G-4) investigation

Dhenkanal Mahupal, was carried out for search of chromite
and Bhusani Parbat bodies in the transition zone of Eastern
Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) and
Singhbhum Craton (SC), south of Sukinda
ultramafic complex. The chromite
mineralisation is orthomagmatic con-
fined to the chromiferous dunite and
occasionally in gabbros. Maximum
mineralisation has been noticed within
the chromiferous laterite with minimum
Cr2 O3 of 20-25% (V.E.). Investigation
has been completed.

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 CHROMITE

The share of Public Sector in total production Table – 3 : Principal Producers of Chromite
was 24% in 2013-14 as compared to 25% in the 2013-14
previous year. About 73% of the total production
was reported from captive mines in the current year
Name & address of Location of mine
as compared to 70% in the previous year.
producer
Odisha continued to be the major chromite State District
producing state accounting for almost the entire
production during 2013-14. Nominal production was The Tata Steel Ltd, Odisha Jajpur
reported from Karnataka and Maharashtra Bombay House,
24, Homi Mody Street, Fort,
(Tables - 3 & 4 ). Mumbai – 400 001,
Maharashtra.
Gradewise analysis of production during
2013-14 reveals that 52% & above Cr2O3 fines The Orissa Mining Odisha Dhenkanal
Corporation Ltd, Jajpur
accounted for 22%, 40 -52% Cr2O3, for 32% (Lumps 'OMC House', Unit 5,
3% and Fines 29%), below 40% Cr2O3 for 22% (Lumps Post Box No. 34,
Bhubaneshwar – 751 001,
6% and Fines 16%) and chromite concentrates for
Odisha.
24% of the total production (Tables 5, 6 & 7 ).
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Odisha Jajpur
Mine-head stocks of chromite which at the end IMFA Building, Bomikhal, Keonjhar
Rasulgarh, Bhubaneshwar – 751 010,
of 2013-14 was at 2,256 thousand tonnes decreased
Odisha.
by 12% as compared to 2559 thousand tonnes for
the previous year. Out of the total stocks, about Ferro Alloys Corporation Ltd, Odisha Jajpur
Laxmi Bhawan, Keonjhar
99% of stocks at the mines were held in Odisha Bhadrak – 756 100,
during the year (Tables 8A & 8B ). Odisha.

The average daily employment of labour in Balasore Alloys Ltd, Odisha Jajpur
Balgopalpur,
chromite mines during 2013-14 was 6097 as against Balasore - 756 020,
6,761 in the previous year. Odisha.

Table – 4 : Production of Chromite, 2011-12 to 2013-14

(By States)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14(P)

State
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value

India 2923435 24244988 2833895 22627633 2852854 23175932

Karnataka 5685 24012 6828 28720 1003 4056

Maharashtra - - - - 19 75

Odisha 2917750 24220976 2827067 22598913 2851832 23171801

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 CHROMITE

Table – 5 : Grade-wise Production of Chromite, 2012-13

(By Sectors, States and Districts)
(Qty in tonnes; Value in `'000)

Production by Grades : Cr2O3 Content

State/ No. of Below 40% 40 - 52% 52% & Above Total

District mines
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Concentrates Quantity Value

India 25 122924 367314 99763 778388 - 832603 632903 2833895 22627633

Public sector 11 7023 85852 - 142236 - 375594 86551 697256 7233377

Private sector 14 115901 281462 99763 636152 _ 457009 546352 2136639 15394256

Karnataka 4 6828 _ _ - – – – 6828 28720

Hassan 4 6828 _ _ - – – – 6828 28720

Odisha 21 116096 367314 99763 778388 - 832603 632903 2827067 22598913

Dhenkanal 2 15399 536 - - - - - 15935 99685

Jajpur 15 94863 366778 91494 770376 - 832603 632903 2789017 22327704

Keonjhar 4 5834 - 8269 8012 - _ _ 22115 171524

Table – 6 : Gradewise Production of Chromite, 2013-14 (P)

(By Sectors, States and Districts )
(Qty in tonnes; Value in ` '000)

Production by Grades : Cr2O3 Content

State/ No. of Below 40% 40-52% 52% & Above Total

District mines
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Concentrates Quantity Value

India 26 166860 449711 90937 821709 68 630144 693425 2852854 23175932

Public sector 11 3366 88302 - 279697 68 233365 86933 691731 7364664
Private sector 15 163494 361409 90937 542012 - 396779 606492 2161123 15811268

Karnataka 4 1003 - – _ – – _ 1003 4056

Hassan 4 1003 - – _ – – _ 1003 4056

Maharashtra 1 19 - - - - - - 19 75
Bhandara 1 19 - - - - - - 19 75

Odisha 21 165838 449711 90937 821709 68 630144 693425 2851832 23171801

Dhenkanal* 2 - - - - – – – - -
Jajpur 15 142260 449711 57094 793501 68 630144 693425 2766203 22892592
Keonjhar 4 23578 – 33843 28208 – – – 85629 279209

* Only labour reported.

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 CHROMITE

Table – 7 : Production of Chromite, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (P)

(By Frequency Groups)
(Qty in tonnes)

No. of mines Production Percentage in total Cumulative

for the group production percentage
Production group
2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14

Total 25 26 2833895 2852854 100.00 100.00 - -

Up to 10000 11 13 6828 1022 0.24 0.04 0.24 0.04
1000-100000 8 8 408920 533345 14.43 18.70 14.67 18.74
100001-200000 2 - 300308 - 10.60 - 25.27 18.74
200001-300000 2 2 562919 482856 19.86 16.92 45.13 35.66
300001 and above 2 3 1554920 1835631 54.87 64.34 100.00 100.00

Table – 8 (A) : Mine-head Stocks of Chromite, 2012-13

(By States/Grades)
(In tonnes)

Stocks by Grades: Cr 2 O 3 Content

State Below 40% 40-52% 52% and above To t a l

Concentrates Quantity
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines

India 77713 1667263 26807 288389 613 301025 197292 2559102

Karnataka 14784 303 - - - - - 15087

Odisha 62929 1666960 26807 288389 613 301025 197292 2544015

Table – 8 (B) : Mine-head Stocks of Chromite, 2013-14(P)

(By States/Grades)
(In tonnes)

Stocks by Grades: Cr 2 O 3 Content

State Below 40% 40-52 % 52% and above

Concentrates To t a l
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines

India 68615 1610022 25949 286782 617 185274 78892 2256151

Karnataka 15554 303 - - - - - 15857

Maharashtra 9 - - - - - - 9

Odisha 53052 1609719 25949 286782 617 185274 78892 2240285

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 CHROMITE

MINING & TRANSPORT attention.Viable treatment methods of pumped

At present mining operations for chromite are re- water especially with ferrous sulphate solution
stricted only in the Sukinda ultramafic belt and in before it being discharged must be rigorously
the Baula Nausahi chromite belt in Odisha. The implemented as remedial measure. Ferrous
exploitation of chromite in both the areas sulphate solution converts the hexavalent into
commenced from the surface by opencast mining. trivalent form which is non-carcinogenic.
.Chromite outcrops generally are under overbur- Incidently, Mining Research Cell, Indian Bureau
den cover of 3 to 9 m. The overburden is gener- of Mines, during 2008-09 undertook a study for
ally soft,consist of aluminium, morrum, and attenuation of hexavalent chromium in Sukinda
laterite except in areas near the base of the chrome belt by bio-remediation technology which
Mahagiri Hill. The ore extracted from Kathpal mine is apparently environment-friendly. This study
and from all the mines in the Baula Nausahi belt is was a S & T Project undertaken in association
hard and massive. In all other mines the ore with the Utkal University. Air pollution by
occurs as friable and powdery. dumping is another major factor that leads to
environmental degradation especially during dry
The excavation of overburden in opencast season.
mines is done by digging with shovels.The over-
Chromium contamination of air also comes
burden generated is then loaded and transported
from emissions of coal-based power plants and
by trucks & dumpers of 10 & 35 tonnes capacity
industrial chimneys of iron & steel and
respectively. In the case of hard overburden
ferrochrome industries, from spray paintings,
formed of hard murrum or laterite or serpentinised
chrome baths, refractory industries and mining of
quartzite etc. drilling and blasting procedures are
chromites magnesite. In rural areas, chromium in
commonly utilised. Drilling either by jack hammer
atmosphere rarely exceeds 1mg/cu m of air, but
or by using pick axe and blasting with appropri-
towns with major iron & steel industries may have
ate weight of explosives loosens the hard forma-
1000 times more.
tions which enable removal of overburden the ores
are subsequently excavated, sorted and stacked . The inhalation of chromium compounds has
been associated with the development of cancer
In South Kaliapani mine nominal blasting is
in workers in the Chromite Industry. The relative
done to loosen the ore which is then transported
risk for developing lung cancer has been
to stack yard and sorted manually. The ores for
calculated to be as much as 30 times. There is also
dissemination is transported and stacked sepa-
evidence for an increased risk of developing nasal,
rately.
pharyngeal, and gastrointestinal carcinomas.
Underground mining is practised in three Quantitative epidemiological data were obtained
chromite mines viz. , Kathpal mine of M/s FACOR, by Mancuso and Hueper (1951), who observed an
Nausahi mine of M/s IMFA and Baula mine of increase in deaths (18.2%; p<0.01) from respiratory
M/s FACOR.The Kathpal chromite mine of cancer among chromite workers as compared with
M/s FACOR is both underground and opencast. 1.2% deaths among controls. In a follow-up study
Maheswari lode is mined by underground way of conducted when more than 50% of the cohort had
mining whereas Balaji lode is mined by opencast dead, the observed incidence for lung cancer deaths
method. had increased to appromixately 60%.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CONSUMPTION

The major problems associated with chromite The consumption of chromite in the organised
mining are the pollution and degradation caused sector increased by about 0.7% from 26,03,300
to the environment. The hexavalent chromium tonnes in 2012-13 to 26,21,600 tonnes in 2013-14.
especially in friable ore is the major cause of Almost the entire consumption (94%) was by Ferro-
concern as it is carcinogenic in nature. The alloys/Charge-chrome Industry. In addition to
hexavalent chromium contamination of water above, chromite in substantial quantities is also
bodies is a major issue that requires concerted consumed in small scale ferrochrome units,

9-8
 CHROMITE

information for which is scarce. Besides, nominal Table – 11 : Consumption* of

consumption is reported by Refractory Ferro-chrome-silicon, 2011-12 to 2013-14
Industry and a negligible amount by others. Data on (By Industries)
consumption of chromite, ferrochrome & (In tonnes)
ferrochrome-silicon from 2011-12 to 2013-14 are Industry 2011-12 2012-13(R) 2013-14(P)
furnished in Tables - 9 to 11.
All Industries 460 460 460
Table – 9: Consumption* of Chromite Alloy Steel 460(1) 460(1) 460(1)
2011-12 to 2013-14
(By Industries) Figures rounded off.
Figures in parentheses denote the number of units in the
(In tonnes) organised sector.
*Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates
Industry 2011-12 2012-13 (R) 2013-14(P) made wherever required.

All Industries 2584100 2603300 2621600

Chemical 106500 (2) @ 106500 @ 125000 (e) USES

Ferro-alloys 2451800(e) 2454400(e) 2454400 (e) In metallurgy, chromite is mainly used in the
(including
charge-chrome) manufacture of ferro chrome, silico chrome, charge
chrome and chromium metal. Chromium imparts
Refractory 25200 (24) 41700(4) 41500 (4)
(including additional strength, hardness and toughness to
iron & steel)
its alloys. It also shows resistance to corrosion &
Others 600 (5) 700 (6) 700 (6) prevents steel abrasion, reduces oxidation and
(foundry, ceramic,
glass) flow of electricity. Stainless steel, high-speed tool
Figures rounded off; Figures in parentheses denote the number of steel and corrosion & heat-resistant steel are
units in the organised sector reporting* consumption. some of the important varieties of chromium steel.
*Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates made
wherever required; Small- scale sector is also producing ferro-chrome Ferro chrome is of two types: (i) high carbon
for which data is not available. (containing 4-8% carbon) and (ii) low carbon
@ estimates based on products like sodium dichromate of the chemical
industry. (containing up to 2% carbon). The amount of
(e) estimates based on production of ferro-alloys. chromium used in steel varies with the purpose.
Low chromium steels (less than 5% chromium and
Table – 10 : Consumption* of
Ferro chrome, 2011-12 to 2013-14 small amount of nickel) are used in rails,
(By Industries) automobiles, armour plates, armour piercing
(In tonnes) projectiles, etc. Intermediate chromium steels
Industry 2011-12 2012-13(R) 2013-14(P) (3-12% Cr and small amounts of W, Mo or Si) are
used in high-speed tools, valves for engines and
All Industries 286900 286900 286800
other equipment requiring resistance to abrasion,
Alloy Steel 27600 (12) 27600 (12) 27600 (12)
corrosion and oxidation. Chromium steels include
Electrode 200 (4) 200 (4) 100 (4)
stainless steel (12-18% Cr) and super-stainless
Foundry 300 (8) 300 (9) 300 (8) steel (12-30% Cr and 7-10% Ni) and these are
Iron & Steel 258800 (14) 258800 (15) 258800 (15) used for cutlery and cooking utensils and in
Figures rounded off; aircraft and high-speed trains, respectively.
Figures in parentheses denote the number of units in the
organised sector ;
Chromium (17%) with iron (83%) is also used as
*Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates ferritic stainless steel to manufacture coins.
made wherever required.

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 CHROMITE

Chromite is used in Refractory Industry tends to be deterred by cost performance or the

because of its high chemical stability, owing to customer appeal for chromium. There are no
its high temperature resistance and corrosion substitutes for chromium in stainless steel or
resistant properties.
superalloys. Boron, manganese, nickel and
Melting point and ability to withstand sudden molybdenum can be substituted in alloy steels and
temperature changes and its chemically neutral cast irons. Base metal alloys can sometimes be
c h a r a c t e r, moderate thermal expansion and
used in place of stainless steel. Dolomite is an
mechanical strength.
alternative for some refractory bricks. Cadmium
Chromite is used for manufacturing important yellow is one of the several alternative pigments.
chromium compounds like chromates and However, it is not environmentally acceptable and
bichromates of sodium and potassium, chromium
nickel and zinc are possible substitutes for the
pigments like chromic oxide green and chromic
protection of decorative coatings.
acid, which in turn, are used in chromium-plating
solution.
SPECIFICATIONS
Chromium is an essential trace element for
human health. However, some of its compounds The specifications of chromite vary for
are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Environment different end-use industries. The Cr:Fe ratio is one
concerns have reduced the use of chromite
of the important factors to be considered before
refractories and chromium chemicals.
deciding the end-use of the mineral. The IS
specifications for metallurgical, refractory,
SUBSTITUTES chemical and foundry industries are detailed in
Development of substitutes of chromium
Tables -12 to 15.

Table – 12 : IS Specifications of Chromite for Metallurgical Industry (IS : 10818-1984)

(Reaffirmed in 2003)

Grade (%)
Sl Characteristic
No. (on dry basis) Low carbon High carbon Silico-chrome Charge chrome
ferrochrome ferrochrome

1. Cr2O3 percent, min. 48 48 48 44

2. Total iron percent, max. (as FeO) 15 16 15 18

3. Al2O3 percent 13 13 13 10

4. SiO2 percent, max. 5 8 10 12

5. CaO percent, max. 5 5 5 5

6. MgO percent, max. 14 16 14 12

7. Sulphur* (as SO3) percent, max. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.14

8. Phosphorus* (as P2O5) percent, max. 0.005 0.02 0.02 0.2

9. Cr:Fe, min. 3:1 2.8:1 3:1 1.6:2

10. MgO:Al2O3 (range) – 1.2-1:4 – –

*Sulphur (as SO 3 ) and phosphorus (as P 2 O 5 ) may be determined as agreed upon by the supplier and the purchaser.

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 CHROMITE

Table – 13 : IS Specifications of Chromite for Table – 15 : IS Specifications of Chromite Sand

for Foundries
Refractory Industry
(IS : 6788-1973) ( Reaffirmed 2003)
(IS : 10819-1999)
a) Chemical
(First Revision)
Sl Constituent Requirement
No. (on dry basis) (%)
a) Chemical
1. Cr2O 3 44 min.
Sl Characteristic Grade - I Grade - II Grade - III 2. Fe2O 3 26 max.
No. (on dry basis) (percent (percent (percent 3. SiO2 4 max.
by mass) by mass) by mass) 4. CaO 0.5 max.
1. Loss on ignition 1.5 max. 1.5 max. 1.5 max. 5. MgO As agreed
6. Clay 0.75 max.
2. Cr2O3 52 min. 50 min. 48 min.
7. LOI 1.0 max.
3. Total iron (as FeO) 16 max. 18 max. 18 max. 8. Moisture 0.5 max.
9. pH value Between 7.0 and 9.0
4. SiO2 3 max. 7 max. 9 max.

5. MgO 15 max. 15 max. 15 max.

b) Physical
The material shall be of two grades, namely,
b) Physical fine and coarse. The shape of grains should be
All the refractory grades of chromite are hard, mostly sub-angular and the fusion point should
massive, fine-grained, serpentine-free lumpy ores not be below 1800 0 C. The fineness of the two
and in the size range -50 mm to + 50 mm. grades of chromite sand shall confirm to the
following requirement:
Table - 14: IS Specifications of Chromite for
Chemical Industry Fraction Retained on
(IS : 4737-1982) ( First Revision, Reaffirmed 2011) I.S. Sieve
Fine Grade (F) Coarse Grade (C)
(%) (%)
Sl Characteristic Requirement
No. (on dry basis) ( %) 710 micron – 5 max.

1 . Chromic oxide (as Cr 2 O 3 ), 500 micron – 10 max.

percent by mass, min. 44.0 355 micron – 10-25

2. Total iron (as FeO), percent by mass, max. 20.0 250 micron 3 max. 10-25

3. Alumina (as Al 2O 3 ), percent by mass, max. 14.0 212 micron 18 max. 10-20

4. Silica (as SiO2), percent by mass, max. 7.0 150 micron 10-20

5. Lime (as CaO), percent by mass, max. 3.0 106 micron 70 min. 7-20

6. Magnesia (MgO), percent by mass, max. 14.0 75 micron 12 max.

Pan 12 max. 6 max.

INDUSTRY
quality special alloy steel as well as mild steel.
Chromite is mainly used in Metallurgical
The demand for ferro-alloys is associated with the
Industry for manufacture of ferro-alloys, e.g.,
production of alloy steel.
ferrochrome, charge-chrome and silico-chrome
which are used as additives in making stainless Production of ferro chrome/charge chrome was
steel and special alloy steel. Ferro-alloys are the mainly reported by Ferro Alloys Corp. Ltd, Shri
essential ingredients for the production of high Vasavi Industries Ltd, Balasore Industries Ltd, Tata

9-11
 CHROMITE

Steel Ltd, Indian Metals & Ferro-Alloys Ltd and Ltd (merged with Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys
Indian Charge-chrome Ltd (merged with Indian Metals Limited), Cuttack district, Odisha has an installed
& Ferro alloys Ltd. in 2006) were amongst the major capacity of 62,500 tpy.
producers of charge chrome in India. Charge chrome
Vishnu Chemicals Ltd has plants at Medak,
contains 50 to 60% chromium and 6 to 8% carbon.
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Bhilai
Hard lumpy chromite is used for high carbon ferro
chrome while friable ores and fine briquettes are used (Chhattisgarh) which produces chromium products,
for low carbon ferro chrome. Briquette fines along such as, sodium dichromate (70,000 tpy), basic
with lumpy ores were also consumed in charge chrome chromium sulphate, chromic acid (1000t) and
plants. Potassium Dichromate (1,000 t). There were two
producers of chromium chemicals in small quantities
The important plants which produce chromite
in the organised sector, namely, Tamil Nadu
based refractories are Tata Steel Ltd (formerly OMC
Chromates and Chemicals Ltd and Krebs & Cie
Alloys), Orissa Industries Ltd, Bhilai Refractories
(India) Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata.
Ltd, Burn Statdard Co. Ltd, Joglekar Refractories and
Ceramics (P) Ltd and Associated Ceramics Ltd. Commercially, chrome ore can be divided into
Ferro chrome when added to steel imparts three categories: (i) high-grade, containing >48%
hardness, strength and augments its stainless chromite, (ii) medium- grade with > 40% chromite and
characteristics. Carbon content classifies the ferro- (iii) low-grade containing less than 40% chromite.
chrome alloy into high carbon (6-8%), medium carbon Chromite with less than 40% is not exported under
(3-4%) and low carbon (1.5-3%), although chromium present trade policy.
content in all the three grades is around 60-70 percent.
Chromium metal and the alloy ferrochromium
Around 2.5 tonnes chrome ore with an estimated
are commercially produced from chromite by
power consumption of 4,500 kWh is required to
produce one tonne of ferro chrome. silicothermic or aluminothermic reactions, or by
roasting and leaching processes. Chromium metal
Ferro Alloys Corpn. Ltd, Garividi, Andhra assumes high value due to its properties, such as,
Pradesh; GMR Technologies & Ind. Ltd, Srikakulam, high corrosion resistance and imparting of hardness.
Andhra Pradesh; Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Raigarh,
Chhattisgarh; Standard Chrome Ltd, Raigarh,
The discovery that steel could be made highly
Chhattisgarh; SAL Steel, Kachchh-Bhuj, Gujarat;
resistant to corrosion and discoloration by adding
Balasore Alloys Ltd, Balasore, Odisha; IDCOL Ferro
metallic chromium to form stainless steel led to major
Chrome Plant, Jajpur Road, Odisha; Indian Metals &
Ferro Alloys Ltd, Theruballi, Odisha; Jindal Stainless developments in the Steel Sector. This application,
Ltd, Duburi, Odisha; Nava Bharat Ferro Alloys Ltd, along with chrome plating (electroplating with chro-
Dhenkanal, Odisha; Utkal Manufacturing Services mium) currently comprise the major commercial use
Ltd, Choudhwar, Odisha; Rawat Ferro Alloys, for the element,with applications for production of
Cuttack, Odisha; Rohit Ferro Tech. P. Ltd, Bishnupur, chromium compounds constituting a minor share.
West Bengal; and Sri Vasavi Ind. Ltd, Bishnupur,
West Bengal are the major ferro chrome producers The strengthening effect of forming stable metal
in the country. A sizeable quantity of ferrochrome is carbides at the grain boundaries and the strong
also produced by units in the Small-scale Sector. Tata increase in corrosion resistance has made chromium
Steel Ltd, FACOR and Indian Charge Chrome Ltd an important alloying material for steel. The high-
are the three major producers of charge chrome in speed tool steels contain between 3 and 5%
the country. The production is 100% export- chromium. Stainless steel, the main corrosion-proof
oriented, and the total capacity is 1,82,500 tpy, Tata metal alloy, is formed when chromium is added to
Steel with its charge chrome plant at Bamnipal,
iron in sufficient concentrations, usually above 11%.
Odisha, has a capacity of 55,000 tpy while FACOR
has a capacity of 65,000 tpy at its Randia Plant, User's specifications of chromite in Major
Bhadrak district, Odisha. and Indian Charge Chrome Consuming Industries are furnished in Table-16.

9-12
 CHROMITE

Table – 16 : User's Specifications of Chromite in Major Consuming Industries

Industry/Name and location of plant Specifications of ore consumed

FERRO CHROME/CHARGE CHROME

Andhra Pradesh/Telangana

Andhra Ferro Alloys Ltd, NA

Kothavalasa, Distt. Vizianagaram.

Cronimet Alloys India Ltd, Lumps : Cr2O3 40% to 50%

Ravivalasa Distt. Srikakulam Fines : Cr2O3 40% to 52%
Concentrates : Cr2O 3-40%

Ferro-Alloys Corp. Ltd, Lumps : Cr2O3 38% to 40%

Shreeram Nagar, Distt. Vizianagaram. Fines : Cr2O3 38% to 40%
Friable : Cr2O3 48% to 50%
Concentrates : Cr2O3 48% to 50%

JSL Ltd, (formerly

Jindal Stainless Steel Ltd,) Lumps : Cr2O3 38%
Jindal Nagar, Distt. Vizianagaram. Cr:Fe : 2 : 9

Nav Bharat Ventures Ltd, Lumps: Cr2O3 28-42%

Paloncha, Distt. Khammam. Fines: Cr2O3 48-50%, 52-54%

GMR Technologies & Industries Ltd, Lumps: Cr2O3- 38-45%

Ravivalasa, Distt. Srikakulam. Fines: Cr2O3- 45-55 %

VBC Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps: Cr2O3 36-52%

Rudragram, Distt. Medak,Telangana.

Chhattisgarh
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Lumps : Cr2O3+38%
Raigarh. Cr:Fe : 2 : 9
Fines : Cr2O3+52%, Cr:Fe : 2.6
Deepak Ferro Alloys Ltd,
Urla, Distt. Raipur. Lumps : Cr2O3 36-40%
Fines : Cr2O3 48-52%
Jammu & Kashmir
Shree Sitaram Industries Pvt. Ltd Lumps : Cr2O340% to 52%
Distt. Samba. Fines : Cr2O340% to +52%,

Tawi Chemicals Industries

Distt. Samba. NA

Odisha
Balasore Alloys Ltd,
(formerly Ispat Alloys Ltd,) Lumps : Cr 2 O 3 -40%
Balgopalpur, Distt. Balasore. Fines : Cr 2 O 3 -40 to +52%

Ferro Alloys Corp. Ltd,

Charge Chrome Division, Lumps : Cr 2 O 3 36% ;
Randia, Distt. Bhadrak. Friable : Cr 2 O 3 40% ;
Concentrates : N.A.

IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 42-52%

Jajpur Road.Distt.Cuttack. SiO 2 6% max.

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 40-48%

(Formerly, Indian Charge Chrome Ltd) SiO 2 : 15% max.
Choudwar, Distt. Cuttack.

9-13
 CHROMITE

Industry/Name and location of plant Specifications of ore consumed

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps & fines

Therubali, Distt. Raygada,

Rohit Ferro Tech. Ltd, (Unit 2) Lumps, fines & concentrates

Duburi, Distt. Jajpur.

Tata Steel Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 47% min.

(Formerly OMC Alloys Ltd) Size : 0-40 mm
Bamnipal, Distt. Keonjhar.

We s t B e n g a l
Rohit Ferro Tech Ltd, (Unit 1) Lumps, fines & concentrates
Bishnupur, Distt. Bankura.

Shri Vasavi Industries Ltd, NA

Distt. Bankura.

REFRACTORY
Chhattisgarh
SAIL Refractories Unit, Friable lumps :
Marauda, Distt. Durg. Cr 2O 3 : 52-54% min. SiO 2 : 5% max.

Vishva Vishal Engineering Ltd, Bhilai, Durg. Cr 2O 3 : 50%

SiO 2 : 4.5% max.
Fe 2 O 3 : 8%
Maharashtra
Joglekar Refractories & Ceramics (P) Ltd, Lumps Cr 2 O 3 44% min. CaO < 2%, Fe 2 O 3 < 21%
Rabale, Distt. Thane. Imported sand - 30 to +85 mesh, Cr 2 O 3 45% min.
SiO 2 < 1%, Fe 2 O 3 < 27%
Odisha
Orissa Industries Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 52-54%
Lathikata Works, Fe 2 O 3 : 15-18% max.
Distt. Sundargarh. SiO 2 : 3-5%

IFGL Refractories Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 55% min. -16 to +22 mesh

Kalunga, Distt. Sundargarh.

Maruti Monolithics (Pvt) Ltd, N.A.

Choudwar, Distt. Cuttack

TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 48-50% min.

Belpahar Distt.Jharsududa.

Shree Chem Industries (Pvt) Ltd., Cr 2O 3 : 54%

Mandiyakudar, Distt. Sundargarh SiO 2 : 5-9% min.

Tamil Nadu
Burn Standard Co. Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 52-54% min.
Salem. SiO 2 : 3-5% max.
Fe 2 O 3 : 15-18% max.

C. Nataraj Ceramics & Chem. Industry Lumps, Cr 2 O 3 + 44%. Fe 2 O 3 -25%

Dalmiapuram, Distt. Tiruchirapalli

CHEMICALS

Odisha
Krebs & Cei (India) Ltd, Cr 2 O 3 : 48-55%
Kalma, Distt. Mayurbhanj.

9-14
 CHROMITE

TRADE POLICY Import Policy as amended and effectuated from

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 5.6.2012, the imports of chromium ore
Department of Commerce had come out lumps, friable ores and concentrates are freely
with the new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for allowed. The export policy on chromite is stated
the period 2009-2014. As per the present Export- as follows:
Tariff Item
HS Code Item Export Policy Nature of Restriction

26100000 (a) Chrome ore other than Restricted Exports permitted under
(i) beneficiated chrome ore fines/concentrates licence other than categories
(maximum feed grade to be less than given below
42% Cr 2O 3 ); and

(ii) those categories of chrome ores mentioned

as permitted through STEs
(State Trading Enterprises)
26100030 (b) Beneficiated chrome ore fines/concentrates STE Export through MMTC Ltd
26100040 (maximum feed grade to be less than 42% Cr 2O 3 )
26100030 (c) Chrome ore lumps with Cr 2 O 3 not exceeding STE Export through MMTC Ltd
40%
26100090 (d) Low silica friable/fine ore with Cr 2O 3 not STE Export through MMTC Ltd
exceeding 52% and silica exceeding 4%
26100090 (e) Low silica friable/fine chromite ore with Cr 2 O 3 STE Export through MMTC Ltd
in the range from 52 to 54% and silica
exceeding 4%

WORLD REVIEW South Africa is by far the largest producer of

World resources of shipping-grade chromite are chromite ore and concentrates followed by
more than 12 billion tonnes. Countries that possess Kazakhstan , India and Turkey. Russia, Oman
sizeable quantities of resources are Kazakhastan
Brazil and Pakistan are other important producers.
(48%), South Africa (41%) and India (11%). About
90% of world's 480 million tonnes chromium reserves In Europe, Finland and Albania are the major
are concentrated in Kazakhstan (48%) and South producing countries.
Africa (41%). The available data on world reserves
The world production of chromite increased
of chromite are shown in Table - 17.
substantially to 28.8 million tonnes in 2013 as
Table – 17 : World Reserves of Chromite compared to 25.7 million tonnes during the
(Shipping Grade) previous year. South Africa was the leading
(By Principal Countries)
(In ' 000 tonnes)
producer, contributing about 47% to the total
world production, followed by Kazakhstan
Country Reserves
(18%), India (10%) and Turkey (7%). Other
World: Total (rounded) >4,80,000 significant producers were Finland, Oman, Russia
*India 54,000 Brazil, and Australia (Table - 18).
Kazakhstan 2,30,000
Upgradation of technology and advancement
South Africa 2,00,000
USA 620
in beneficiation processes, such as, agglo-
Other Countries NA meration of ore, pre-heating and pre-reduction of
furnace feed, closed-furnace technology and
(>)+ More than
Source: Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2015.
recovery of chromium from slags have brought
*: As per UNFC System, India'stotal resources about significant changes and are now followed
is estimated at 203 million tonnes as on 1.4.2010 worldwide.
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 CHROMITE

Table – 18 : World Production of Chromium owing to its high aluminium content. The two main
Ores and Concentrates producers are Gulf Mining Group (GMM) and
(By Principal Countries) Muscat Overseas.
(In '000 tonnes)
Gulf Mining Material Company, a Gulf Mining
Country 2011 2012 2013 Group Company produces chromite ore in modest
quantities.
World : Total 26450 26280 28800
Four ferro-chromium plants have been
Australia 324 452 355
planned and these are in various stageges of imple-
Brazil 542 472 444 mentation, in the Sohar Free Zones. Al Tamman
(e)
China 220 220 220 Indsil Ferro Chrome, a joint venture between
Finland 693 452 982
India 2923 2834 2853
Muscat Overseas Group and Gridisil Group
ee (India)that was commissioned with a target
Iran 417 412 410
capacity of 1,50,000 tonnes per year has been
Kazakhstan 5059 5233 5255
initialised with 75,000 tonnes per year produc-
Oman 617 555 788
tion capacity by 2013 and an additional 75,000
Pakistane 450 500 490 tonnes per year capacity by 2014. Besides, Bahar
e
Russia 662 552 552 Oman Metals, with operative target of 1 lakh
South Africa 10721 11310 13645 tonnes per year ferrochrome had plans to com-
e
Turkey 2282 2029 2000 mence operation by end-2013 and Gulf Mining
Zimbabwe 599 199 120
e
Material Company also had plans to set up a
Other countries 941 1060 686
ferrochrome smelter.

Source: World Mineral Production, 2009-13 Russia

Mechel produced ferrochromium at the
Recently, in South Africa, the Chromite
Tikhvin ferroalloys plant.
Mining Industry showed signs of stabilisation
and slow-expansion became visible in the second South Africa
half of 2013. In terms of global chromite ore Chromite in South Africa is surveyed in the
production, the International Chromium Bushweld Complex ,which covers an area of 65,000
Development Association (ICDA).In its estimation km2 and hosts nearly 70% of the estimated chromite
showed that in Q1 of 2013, the numbers dropped reserves in the world. The chromite-rich resources
by 5% quarter-on-quarter basis.In terms of are mainly of low-grade and medium-grade variety.
supplies/consumption, South Africa, India and
According to ICDA, chromite production in
Oman are the main suppliers of Refractory - grade
Q1 of 2013 was down by 4.7% as compared to the
chromite. As per Magnezit Group in Russia the
last quarter (Q4) of 2012. Partial stagnation in
largest volume of chrome-containing material is
production from South Africa was up almost 22%
consumed by Ferrous Metallurgy industries,
q-o-q basis in Q2 of 2013, accounting for 49% of
followed by non- ferrous and cement industries.
the global output in Q2 2013.According to
Data from the Europian Refractory Producers International Chromite Development Association
Federation (PRE) indicate that total production of ( ICDA) South Africa produces more chromite
refractory bricks in Europe amounted to 4.1 million than it consumes.The nation is, therefore, the
tonnes. largest exporter of chromite worldwide.

Kazakhstan:
Oman
Kazakhstan hosts the world’s second largest
Chromite is primarily produced in the form of
reserves of chromite, the majority of which are
lumpy ores, with chromite content varying
between 24% and 38% while Cr/Fe ratio is between located in the Kempirsai Massif district, in the
2 and 2.4. The chromite produced in Oman is west of the country. Kazakhstan was the second
particularly suitable for refractory applications, largest producer of chromite in Q 2 2013.

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 CHROMITE

According to ICDA the country expanded produc- and other forms accounted for the remaining 12%.
tion in Q2 2013 . The two main producers in the Imports were mainly from Oman (65%), South
country are Eurasian Natural Resources Africa (33%) and UAE (1%). Imports of chrome
Corp.(ENRC) which operates via its subsidiary lumps were mainly to Oman (69%) and South Africa
Kazchrome, and Oriel Resources Ltd. which is (29%). Imports of chromium & alloys in 2013-14
owned by the Russian Company, Mechel. were 853 tonnes as compared to 674 tonnes in the
Turkey previous year. Imports were mainly from Russia
Turkey is the fourth largest producer of (51%), UK (24%) and China (11%). Imports of
chromite. Concentrates of grade 48% Cr 2O 3 with chromium & scrap was reduced to only 22 tonnes
Cr/Fe ratio ranges between 2.4 and 8, and lumps in 2013-14 from 38 tonnes in 2012-13.
containing 34 - 44% Cr2O3 with Cr/Fe ratio of 2.5are The import details of ferrochrome are covered
reportedly produced. The main producers include in Review entitled, 'Ferro-alloys' (Tables - 24
Dedeman Mining and Akmetal Madencilik (AKM). to 29).
Producers have recently increased their annual
capacity through the beneficiation of low-grade Table – 19 : Exports of Chromite : Total
(By Countries)
lumps.
2012-13 2013-14
Country
FOREIGN TRADE Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000)
Exports
All Countries 196435 3107577 195125 3468440
Exports of chromite decreased marginally to
195 thousand tonnes in 2013-14 from 196 thousand China 189416 2953738 175460 2994231

tonnes in the previous year. Out of total chromite Japan 5000 97927 17174 406239
exported in 2013-14, the share of about 18% was
Spain 1926 54645 2276 60768
of chromite concentrate, while chromite lumps and
other chrome ores together accounted for 82%. Vietnam ++ 8 192 6448

Exports were mainly to China (90%) and Japan Thailand ++ 7 20 698

(9%). In 2013-14, 73 tonnes of chromium & alloys
Finland - - 3 56
(scrap) were exported registering an increase of
265% from that of the preceding year. Exports were Other countries 93 1252 - -
mainly to Italy (41%) and Peru (21%). Exports of
chrome ore increased considerably to 35 thousand
tonnes in 2013-14 from 23 thousand tonnes in Table – 20: Exports of Chrome Ore Lumps
the previous year. The export details of ferro (By Countries)
chrome are covered in the Review entitled 'Ferro-
2012-13 2013-14
alloys' (Tables-19 to 23). Country
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (` ' 000)
Imports
Imports of chromite increased drastically to All Countries ++ 1 77 2205
261 thousand tonnes in 2013-14 from 216 Spain - - 76 2191
thousand tonnes in the previous year. Out of total
Finland - - 1 14
quantity of chromite imported in 2013-14, lumpy
Other countries ++ 1 - -
chromite accounted for 88%, while concentrate

9-17
 CHROMITE

Table – 21 : Exports of Chrome Ore Table – 23 : Exports of Chromium & Alloys

Concentrates (Scrap)
(By Countries) (By Countries)

2012-13 2013-14 2012-13 2013-14

Country Country
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000) (t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000)

All Countries 23331 452038 35281 624930 All Countries 20 21917 73 77559
China 21515 401313 33081 566353
Italy ++ 328 30 32503
Spain 1795 50033 2200 58577
Malaysia ++ 351 13 16929
Other countries 21 692 - -
Peru - - 15 13503

Table – 22 : Exports of Chrome Ore (Others) Brazil ++ 351 7 7193

(By Countries)
Indonesia 7 6488 5 3792
2012-13 2013-14
Country Netherlands - - 1 1299
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000) Ireland - - ++ 680
All Countries 173104 2655538 159767 2841305
Kenya 1 462 1 428
China 167901 2552425 142379 2427878
Israel ++ 188 1 373
Japan 5000 97927 17174 406239

Vietnam ++ 8 192 6448 Turkey - - ++ 367

Thailand ++ 7 20 698 Other countries 12 13749 ++ 492

Finland - - 2 42

Other countries 203 5171 - -

Table – 25 : Imports of Chrome Lump
(By Countries)
Table – 24 Imports of Chromite : Total
(By Countries) 2012-13 2013-14
Country
2012-13 2013-14 Qty Value Qty Value
Country (t) (` ' 000) (t) (` ' 000)
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (` ' 000) All Countries 170987 1802799 229166 2618030

All Countries 216736 2503421 261336 1099722 Oman 125149 1099054 157692 1536192
Oman 139557 1196279 169490 652657
South Africa 26060 513257 65977 1018148
South Africa 54342 1080856 86180 378574
Philippines 253 2959 1906 29876
Philippines 253 2959 1906 29876
UAE 15126 127505 2490 22785 UAE 13219 109394 2490 22785

Pakistan 25 910 1073 11123

Pakistan 25 910 1048 10164
Indonesia - - 133 2603
Kenya - - 23 463
Netherlands 15 884 22 1254
Kenya - - 23 463 Indonesia - - 30 401

France 20 499 19 387 Other countries 6281 77225 ++ 1

Other countries 7398 93529 - -

9-18
 CHROMITE

Table – 26: Imports of Chrome ore Table –28 : Imports of Chromium &Alloys
(By Countries)
Concentrate
(By Countries)
2012-13 2013-14
Country
2012-13 2013-14 Qty Value Qty Value
Country (t) (R ' 000) (t) (R ' 000)
Qty Value Qty Value
All Countries 674 486843 853 543400
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000)
Russia 288 183686 437 238714
All Countries 2603 62768 3564 88305
UK 176 123704 207 125692
South Africa 2000 52615 3545 87918
Germany 15 38422 18 49414
France - - 19 387 China 119 83993 90 48600

Other countries 603 10153 - - USA 16 32483 14 25832

France 25 18316 30 17495
UAE 1 696 26 14791
Vietnam - - 15 7947
Table – 27: Imports of Chrome ore (Others)
Japan ++ 21 3 5646
(By Countries)
Netherlands - - 10 5287
2012-13 2013-14 Other countries 3 4 5522 3 3982
Country
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` ' 000) (t) (`' 000) FUTURE OUTLOOK
th
The Report of the Working Group for 12 Plan
All Countries 43146 637854 28606 393387
Period, Planning Commission, has estimated
South Africa 26282 514984 16658 272507 chromite production at about 7.37 million tonnes
Oman 14408 97225 11798 116465 by 2016-17 at 8% growth rate. The apparent
Indonesia - - 103 2202 consumption is estimated at 4.35 million tonnes
Netherlands 15 884 22 1254 by 2016-17 at 8% growth rate. The Working Group
Pakistan - - 25 959
had also made following recommendations: (i)
Chromite resources are located to the extent of
Other countries 2441 24761 - -
90% in Odisha, predominantly in Sukinda Valley.
The mines are going deeper and ore is becoming
Table – 29: Imports of Chromium &Scrap friable at lower levels. Exploration of deep-seated
(By Countries) ore bodies needs to be carried out on an
urgentbasis. (ii) Exploration efforts also need
2012-13 2013-14 intensification to identify more deposits of
Country chromite in the country. Underground mining
Qty Value Qty Value technology needs to be promoted. (iii)
(t) (`' 000) (t) (` ' 000)
Development of suitable technology needs to be
All Countries 38 26842 22 15056 developed for beneficiation of low-grade, friable
chromite ore (30% Cr O ) fines which are available
China 1 17725 20 9834 2 3
in sizeable quantit y in India. (iv) Further
USA 1 2449 2 4709 restrictions on exports of chromite ore/
concentrates are desirable in view of the limited
Singapore 27 2599 ++ 454
resources in India and the increasing demand of
Thailand ++ 193 ++ 53 the Steel Industry. (v) R & D is required for
UK ++ 243 ++ 6 development of suitable technology for extraction
of Nickel from the Chromite overburden from the
Other countries 9 3633 - -
Sukinda area of Odisha.

9-19
 CHROMITE

Besides, environmental concerns associated chromite in all the potential areas in Odisha,
with Chromite Industry are too many which would Karnataka and ophiolite belt of North-Eastern
attract considerable attention.Each and every region with a view to prognosticate resources to
anthropogenic activity that contributes a depth of 500 m in Sukinda belt and estimation of
hexavalent chromium to the environment should resources in all other potential areas. Addressing
be regulated in such a manner so that the adverse concerns in ferrochrome production which is
impacts are containable within reasonable limits. electrical energy intensive segment, setting up of
For this regular mionitoring is highly essential such plant must strike a cost balance between
by regulatory authorities to control the raw materials and electrical energy supply. There
+VI.
contamination caused by Cr. are other imminent issues that need redressal in
respect of the continuous and unscrupulous
The current situation in resprct of chromite
exploitation of chromite.
production and consumption is as per anticipated
lines,but this could assume alarming proportions In coming days increase in royalty on
in the cominig years and the country may have to domestically produced chromite from 10% to 15%
depend on imports even for the domestic needs by Government of India is alsobound to have its
of chromite. Depletion of reserves is bound to i m p a c t o n t h e I n d u s t r y, w i l l s e e r a d i c a l
create a serious problem for the future of the transformation in the efforts undertaken to meet
Chromite Industry in the country. An Expert the challenges. Adherence to stringent pollution
Committee constituted by the Ministry of Steel, control norms, innovations in the process
Government of India in its recommendation technology and plant equipment design would
putforth the need for detailed exploration of become inevitable.

9-20