CHROMITE

Indian Minerals
Yearbook 2020
(Part- III : MINERAL REVIEWS)

59th 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

February, 2022

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 CHROMITE

6 Chromite

C hromite is the single commercially viable ore of

chromium (Cr) which is chemically known as
iron chromium oxide (FeCr2O4). The properties of
Resources" (70%). More than 96% resources of
chromite are located in Odisha, mostly in Jajpur,
Kendujhar and Dhenkanal districts. Minor deposits
chromium that make it most versatile and are scattered over Manipur, Nagaland, Karnataka,
indispensable are its resistance to corrosion, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and
oxidation, wear & galling and enhancement of Andhra Pradesh. Gradewise, Charge chrome grade
hardenability. Chromium is an important alloying metal accounts for 31% resources followed by Beneficiable
in ferrous metallurgy, perhaps next only to manganese. grade (25%), Ferrochrome grade (18%) and Refractory
It is used in the manufacture of alloys along with grade (14%). Low, Others, Unclassified and Not-
other metals, such as, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, known grades together account for 12% (Table- 1).
copper, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, columbium and
selenium. Chromium is traded primarily as chromium
EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT
ore or as an alloy of chromium and iron, namely, The exploration and development details, if any,
ferrochrome or charge chrome. The name of the are covered in the Review on Exploration &
element is derived from the Greek word 'chrôma', Development under "General Reviews".
meaning colour, because many of its compounds are
PRODUCTION AND STOCKS
intensely coloured. It is a steely-grey, lustrous, hard
and brittle metal which takes high polish, resists The production of chromite was 3,929 thousand
tarnishing and has a high melting point. tonnes during 2019-20 which decreased by 1% as
compared to 3,971 thousand tonnes in the previous
RESERVES/RESOURCES year. The number of reporting mines were 22 in
2019-20 as compared to 26 in the preceding year. The
As per NMI database based on UNFC system, share of Public Sector in total production was 21%
the total reserves/resources of chromite in the in 2019-20 as compared to 31% in the previous year.
country as on 1.4.2015 has been estimated at 344 About 20% of the total production was reported from
million tonnes with 102 million tonnes as "Reserves" captive mines in the current year as compared to 21%
(30%) and 242 million tonnes as "Remaining in the previous year.

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 Table – 1 : Reserves/Resources of Chromite as on 1.4.2015
(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 64465 12815 24930 102210 67618 15780 33506 26914 33076 44458 20452 241806 344016
By Grades
Refractory 26759 2803 416 29978 9234 987 320 3635 550 2958 - 17684 47662
Charge chrome 16476 - 9328 25804 25726 8333 4048 8931 25000 7861 7 79905 105709
Low - - - - 26 27 - - - 3713 - 3765 3765
Beneficiable 12528 10012 9018 31557 17992 2272 10649 6856 6069 10301 - 54139 85697
Ferrochrome 7809 - 6033 13842 14043 2004 17888 7483 1134 4942 10 47504 61346
Others 133 - - 133 348 377 - - 15 - - 740 873

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Unclassified 761 - 135 896 250 1780 602 9 308 14506 19889 37343 38239
CHROMITE

Not-known - - - - - 1 1 - - 177 546 725 725

By States
Andhra Pradesh - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jharkhand - - - - - - - 15 98 623 - 736 736
Karnataka 315 340 72 727 300 230 96 - 20 259 - 905 1631
Maharashtra - 48 23 71 5 - 5 43 67 418 - 538 609
Manipur - - - - 3 21 52 - 504 6077 - 6657 6657
Nagaland - - - - - - - - - 3200 - 3200 3200
Odisha 64150 12427 24835 101412 67311 15529 33354 26850 32372 33434 20452 229301 330714
Tamil Nadu - - - - - - - 7 - 276 - 282 282
Telangana - - - - - - - - 15 171 - 186 186

Figures rounded off

 CHROMITE

Odisha continued to be the sole producing State grade followed by 30% least of 40–52% Cr2O3(lumps
for chromite, accounting for the entire production 2% & fines 28%) grade.
during 2019-20 and nill production was reported from Mine-head closing stocks of chromite in 2019-
Karnataka and Maharashtra. 20 were 2,411 thousand tonnes as compared to 2,253
thousand tonnes in 2018-19.
Gradewise analysis of production during
The average daily employment of labour in
2019-20 reveals that about 41% of the total production
chromite mines during 2019-20 was 5,891 as against
of chromite accounted for 52% & above Cr2O3 Fines
7,245 in the previous year (Tables-2 to 8).

Table – 2 : Principal Producers of Chromite, 2019-20

Name & address of Location of mine

producer
State District

Tata Steel Ltd, Odisha Jajpur

Bombay House,
24, Homi Mody Street, Fort,
Mumbai – 400 001,
Maharashtra.

The Odisha Mining Odisha Jajpur

Corporation Ltd,
'OMC House', Unit 5,
Post Box No. 34,
Bhubaneswar – 751 001,
Odisha.

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Odisha Jajpur,

IMFA Building, Bomikhal, Keonjhar
Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar – 751 010,
Odisha.

Balasore Alloys Ltd, Odisha Jajpur

Balgopalpur, P.O. Rasalpur,
Balasore - 756 020,
Odisha.

Misrilal Mines (P) Ltd, Odisha Jajpur

Mineral House, 27-A, CAMAC Street,
Kolkata – 700 016,
West Bengal.

Table – 3 : Production of Chromite, 2017-18 to 2019-20

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

2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 (P)

State
Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value

India 3480941 32037005 3970691 36850747 3929260 33326588

Maharashtra 17 82 - - - -
Odisha 3480924 32036923 3970691 36850747 3929260 33326588

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 CHROMITE

Table – 4 : Gradewise Production of Chromite, 2018-19

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

Production by Grades : Cr2O3 Content

State/ No. of Below 40% 40– 52% 52% & Above Concentrates Total
District mines
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Quantity Value
India 26 88156 709230 102754 1130554 - 1689043 250954 3970691 36850747

Public sector 11 6460 177943 2919 408599 - 629977 11636 1237534 13489301

Private sector 15 81696 531287 99835 721955 - 1059066 239318 2733157 23361446

Karnataka 3* - - - - - - - - -

Hassan 3* - - - - - - - - -

Maharashtra 1* - - - - - - - - -

Bhandara 1* - - - - - - - - -

Odisha 22 88156 709230 102754 1130554 - 1689043 250954 3970691 36850747

Dhenkanal 4 - 3358 671 - - - - 4029 14883

Jajpur 15 81696 703950 99164 1130554 - 1689043 250954 3955361 36753367

Kendujhar 3 6460 1922 2919 - - - - 11301 82497

* Only labour reported.

Table – 5 : Gradewise Production of Chromite, 2019-20 (P)

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

Production by Grades : Cr2O3 Content

State/ No. of Below 40% 40– 52% 52% & Above Concentrates Total
District mines
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Quantity Value

India 22 73044 830291 94838 1078617 - 1617150 235320 3929260 33326588

Public sector 9 320 314465 238 255292 225998 13409 809722 5441198
Private sector 13 72724 515826 94600 823325 - 1391152 221911 3119538 27885390

Karnataka 2* - - - - - - - - -

Hassan 2* - - - - - - - - -

Odisha 20 73044 830291 94838 1078617 - 1617150 235320 3929260 33326588

Dhenkanal 3* - - - - - - - - -

Jajpur 14 72724 830199 94600 1078617 - 1617150 235320 3928610 33321591

Keonjhar 3 320 92 238 - - - - 650 4997

* Only labour reported

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 CHROMITE

Table – 6 : Production of Chromite, 2018-19 and 2019-20

(By Frequency Groups)
(Qty in tonnes)

No. of mines Production Percentage to total Cumulative

for the group production percentage
Production group
2018-19 2019-20 (P) 2018-19 2019-20 (P) 2018-19 2019-20 (P) 2018-19 2019-20 (P)

Total 26 22 3970691 3929260 100.00 100.00 - -

Up to 10000 14 12 4029 5870 0.10 0.15 0.10 0.15

10001 – 100000 3 2 109744 127064 2.76 3.23 2.86 3.38

100001 – 200000 4 3 596049 449445 15.01 11.44 17.87 14.82

200001 – 300000 2 1 457804 240907 11.53 6.13 29.4 20.95

300001 and above 3 4 2803065 3105974 70.60 79.05 100.00 100.00

Table – 7 : Mine-head Closing Stocks of Chromite, 2018-19

(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 42587 1551940 9805 248942 285 359765 39300 2252624

Karnataka 20786 - - - - - - 20786

Maharashtra 10 - 7 - - - - 17

Odisha 21791 1551940 9798 248942 285 359765 39300 2231821

Table – 8 : Mine-head Closing Stocks of Chromite, 2019-20 (P)

(By States/Grades)
(In tonnes)

Stocks by Grades: Cr2O3 Content

State Below 40% 40– 52 % 52% and above

Concentrates Total
Quantity
Lumps Fines Lumps Fines Lumps Fines

India 18269 1711225 12132 143057 285 503141 22971 2411080

Karnataka 1038 - - 303 - - - 1341

Maharashtra - - - - - - - -

Odisha 17231 1711225 12132 142754 285 503141 22971 2409739

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 CHROMITE

MINING & TRANSPORT ENVIRONMENT

The major problems associated with chromite
At present, mining operations for chromite are
restricted in the Sukinda ultramafic belt, in the mining are the pollution and degradation caused
Baula Nausahi chromite belt in Odisha and in to the environment. The hexavalent chromium,
Hassan district of Karnataka. The method of especially in friable ore is the major cause of
exploitation of chromite in the areas includes both concern as it is carcinogenic in nature. The
opencast and underground mining. Chromite hexavalent chromium contamination of water
outcrops generally are under overburden cover bodies is a major issue that requires concerted
of 3 to 9 m. The overburden is generally soft, attention. Viable treatment methods of pumping
consists of aluminous laterite, murrum and laterite water, especially with ferrous sulphate solution,
except in areas near the base of the Mahagiri Hill. before it being discharged must be rigorously
The ore extracted from Kathpal mine and from all implemented as remedial measure. Ferrous
the mines in the Baula Nausahi belt is hard and sulphate solution converts the hexavalent into
massive. In all other mines, the ore occurs as trivalent form which is non-carcinogenic.
friable and powdery. Incidentally, Mining Research Cell, Indian Bureau
of Mines, during 2008-09 undertook a study for
The excavation of overburden in opencast
attenuation of hexavalent chromium in Sukinda
mines is done by digging with shovels. The
chromite belt by bio-remediation technology
overburden generated is then loaded and
which is apparently environment-friendly. This
transported by trucks & dumpers of 10 &
study was a S & T Project undertaken in
35 tonnes capacity, respectively. In the case of
a s s o c i a t i o n w i t h t h e U t k a l U n i v e r s i t y. A i r
hard overburden of hard murrum or laterite or
pollution by dumping is another major factor that
serpentinised quartzite etc. drilling and blasting
leads to environmental degradation particularly
procedures are commonly utilised. Drilling, done
during dry season.
with jack hammer, and blasting (with appropriate
quantity of explosives) loosen the hard formations Chromium contamination of air also comes
which enable removal of overburden. The ores are from emissions of coal-based power plants and
subsequently excavated, sorted and stacked. In industrial chimneys of iron & steel and
manual mines, ore is extracted manually by using ferrochrome industries, from spray paintings,
pick axe. chrome baths, refractory industries and mining of
chromite & magnesite. In rural areas, chromium
South Kaliapani is the main chrome ore mine in atmosphere rarely exceeds 1mg/cu.m of air, but
of Odisha Mining Corp. Ltd. In South Kaliapani in towns with major Iron & Steel Industries the
mine, nominal blasting is done to loosen the ore levels may be 1,000 times more.
which is then transported to stack yard and sorted
The inhalation of chromium compounds has
m a n u a l l y. T h e o r e s f o r d i s s e m i n a t i o n a r e
been associated with the development of cancer
transported and stacked separately.
among workers in the Chromite Industry. The
Underground mining is practised in four relative risk for developing lung cancer has been
chromite mines viz. , Kathpal mine of M/s FACOR, calculated to be as much as 30 times. There is also
Nausahi mine of M/s IMFA, Bangur chrome ore evidence for an increased risk of developing nasal,
mine of Odisha Mining Corp. Ltd and Baula mine pharyngeal, and gastrointestinal carcinomas.
of M/s FACOR. The Kathpal chromite mine of Quantitative epidemiological data were obtained
M/s FACOR and Mahagiri mine of M/s IMFA are by Mancuso and Hueper (1951), who observed
both underground and opencast. Maheswari lode increased occurrence of deaths (18.2%; p<0.01)
is mined by underground method of mining, from respiratory cancer among chromite workers
whereas Balaji lode is mined by opencast method. as compared with 1.2% deaths where controls

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 CHROMITE

were at place. In a follow-up study conducted Table – 9 : Estimated Consumption* of Chromite

when more than 50% of the cohort died, the 2017-18 to 2019-20
observed incidence for lung cancer deaths had (By Industries)
increased to approximately 60%. (In tonnes)

Protection of environment has become a major Industry 2017-18 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
issue presently. The major environmental impacts All Industries 2575200(45) 2774800(42) 2718900(41)
of mining are (i) deforestation (ii) land damage Chemical 5000 5100 5300
(iii) water pollution and hydrological damage (iv) Concentrates 60700 112100 99900
(Chrome ore/
air pollution (v) noise pollution (vi) ground chromite)
vibration and fly rock problem (vii) visual impacts, Ferroalloys 2499200 2639800 2597500
etc. (including
Charge chrome)
Deforestation takes place at actual site of an Refractory 9300 16700 15800
opencast mines and also where mineral and over- (including
burden dumps are created or where service iron & steel)
Others 1000 1100 400
buildings and roads are built. Land damage takes
(foundry,
place in opencast mining while exposing the calcination )
mineral and in underground mining due to surface Figures rounded off
subsidence. In addition, land damage also takes * Includes actual reported consumption and/or estimates made
wherever required. Owing to Paucity of data, the coverage
place due to siting of surface dump of mineral, may not be complete.
overburden refuse tips and formation of tailing (): Number of plant reported/estimated.
dams.
charge chrome and chromium metal. Chromium
After enforcement of MCDR,1988 there was imparts additional strength, hardness and
afforestation in metalliferous mines in order to toughness to its alloys. It also shows resistance
stabilise and reduce the impact of mining. IBM to corrosion & prevents steel abrasion, reduces
did play a major role in the restoration of mine oxidation and flow of electricity. Stainless steel,
environment. Plantation trees and other high-speed tool steel and corrosion & heat-
afforestation efforts to improve the environment resistant steel are some of the important
were carried out regularly since 1989-90 and are varieties of chromium steel.
still in practice.
Ferrochrome is of two types: (i) high-carbon
CONSUMPTION (containing 4 – 8% carbon) and (ii) low-carbon
The consumption of chromite decreased by (containing up to 2% carbon). The amount of
about 2% to 2.72 million tonnes in 2019-20 from chromium used in steel varies with the purpose. Low
2 . 7 7 m i l l i o n t o n n e s i n 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 . Th e m o s t chromium steels (less than 5% chromium and small
consuming industry was Ferroalloys/Charge amount of nickel) are used in rails, automobiles,
chrome Industry (96%). In addition to above, armour plates, armour piercing projectiles, etc.
chromite in substantial quantities is also Intermediate chromium steels (3–12% Cr and small
consumed by small-scale ferrochrome units, amounts of W, Mo or Si) are used in high-speed
information for which is scarce. Besides, nominal tools, valves for engines and other equipment
consumption is reported by Refractory Industry requiring resistance to abrasion, corrosion and
and a negligible amount by others. Data on oxidation. Chromium steels include stainless steel
consumption of chromite from 2017-18 to 2019-20 (12–18% Cr) and super-stainless steel (12–30% Cr
is furnished in Table- 9. and 7 – 10% Ni) which are used for cutlery and
cooking utensils, in aircraft & high-speed trains,
USES respectively. Chromium (17%) along with iron (83%)
In metallurgy, chromite is mainly used in the is also used as ferritic stainless steel to manufacture
manufacture of ferrochrome, silicochrome, coins.

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 CHROMITE

Chromite is used in Refractory Industry in January 2017) for specifications of chromite for
because of its high chemical stability, its high Refractory Industry, IS: 4737-1982 (First Revision,
temperature resistance and corrosion resistant Reaffirmed January 2021) for specification of
properties. Further, its high melting point, ability chromite for Chemical Industry and IS : 6788: 1973
to withstand sudden temperature changes, its (Re-affirmed Feb.2019) for specification of
chemically neutral character, moderate thermal chromite sand for Foundry Industry.
expansion and mechanical strength besides
abundant availability and reasonable price are INDUSTRY
added advantages for use in Refractory Industry. Chromite is mainly used in Metallurgical
Chromite is used for manufacturing important Industry for manufacture of ferroalloys, e.g.,
chromium compounds like chromates and ferrochrome, charge chrome and silicochrome
bichromates of sodium and potassium, chromium which are used as additives in making stainless
pigments like chromic oxide green and chromic steel and special alloy steel. Ferroalloys are the
acid, which in turn, are used in chromium-plating essential ingredients for the production of high
solution. quality special alloy steel as well as mild steel.
The demand for ferroalloys is associated with the
Chromium is an essential trace element for production of alloy steel.
human health. However, some of its compounds
are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Environment Production of ferrochrome/charge chrome
concerns have reduced the use of chromite was mainly reported by Ferro Alloys Corp. Ltd,
refractories and chromium chemicals. Shri Vasavi Industries Ltd, Balasore Industries
Ltd, Tata Steel Ltd, Indian Metals & ferro-Alloys
SUBSTITUTES Ltd and Indian Charge-chrome Ltd (merged with
Indian Metals & Ferro alloys Ltd in 2006) were
Development of substitutes for chromium
amongst the major producers of charge chrome
tends to be deterred by cost performance or the
in India. Charge chrome contains 50 to 60%
customer appeal for chromium. There are no
chromium and 6 to 8% carbon. Hard lumpy
substitutes for chromium in stainless steel or
chromite is used for high-carbon ferrochrome
superalloys. Boron, manganese, nickel and
while friable ores and fine briquettes are used
molybdenum can be substituted in alloy steels and
for low-carbon ferrochrome. Briquette fines
cast irons. Chromium containing scrap can
along with lumpy ores were also consumed in
substitute for ferrochromium in some metallurgical
charge chrome plants.
uses. Dolomite is an alternative for some refractory
bricks. Cadmium yellow is one of the several The production has been at 1.0 to 1.1 million
a l t e r n a t i v e p i g m e n t s . H o w e v e r, i t i s n o t tonnes over the past 4-5 years. India consumes
environmentally acceptable and nickel and zinc 15-30% of its production and exports the rest to
are possible substitutes for the protection of countries like China, South Korea and Japan. The
decorative coatings. domestic consumption of ferrochrome has not
grown for two main reasons a) except for the top
SPECIFICATIONS three ferrochrome players IMFA, Tata Steel and
The specifications of chromite vary for Balasore Alloys others are in financial difficulties;
different end-use industries. The Cr.Fe ratio is one b) Domestic Stainless Steel production which is
of the important factors to be considered before largely accounted for by the Jindal Stainless Group
deciding the end-use of the mineral. The BIS has of late is under severe duress. The Indian
specified IS:10818-1984 specifications of chromite Ferrochrome Industry is likely to get consolidated
for Metallurgical Industries Reaffirmed March as capacities owned by Rohit Ferro Alloys and
2019. IS: 10819-1999 (First Revision, Reaffirmed FACOR Alloys are to be auctioned through the

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 CHROMITE

National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) shortly. Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), Cuttack dis-
Recently, NCLT released the results of bidding trict, Odisha, has an installed capacity of 62,500
for FACOR's assets. tonnes per year.

The important plants which produce Vishnu Chemicals Ltd has plants at Medak,
chromite based refractories are Tata Steel Ltd Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Bhilai
(formerly OMC Alloys), Orissa Industries Ltd, (Chhattisgarh) which produces chromium
Bhilai Refractories Ltd, Burn Standard Co. Ltd, products, such as, sodium dichromate (70,000
tonnes per year), basic chromium sulphate,
Joglekar Refractories and Ceramics (P) Ltd and
chromic acid (1,000 tonnes per year) and
Associated Ceramics Ltd.
potassium dichromate (1,000 tonnes). There were
Ferrochrome when added to steel imparts two producers of chromium chemicals in small
hardness, strength and augments its stainless quantities in the organised sector, namely, Tamil
characteristics. Carbon content classifies the Nadu Chromates and Chemicals Ltd and Krebs &
ferrochrome alloy into high-carbon (6 – 8%), Cie (India) Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata.
medium-carbon (3 –4%) and low-carbon (1.5–3%),
Commercially, chrome ore can be divided into
although chromium content in all the three grades
three categories: (i) high-grade, containing >48%
is around 60 – 70 per cent. Around 2.5 tonnes
chromite, (ii) medium-grade with > 40% chromite
chrome ore with an estimated power consumption and (iii) low-grade containing less than 40%
of about 4,500 kWh is required to produce one chromite.
tonne of ferrochrome.
Chromium metal and the alloy ferrochromium
Ferro Alloys Corpn. Ltd, Garividi, Andhra are commercially produced from chromite by
Pradesh; GMR Technologies & Industries Ltd, silicothermic or aluminothermic reactions, or by
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh; Jindal Steel & Power roasting and leaching processes. Chromium metal
Ltd, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh; Standard Chrome Ltd, assumes high value due to its properties, such
Raigarh, Chhattisgarh; SAL Steel, Kachchh-Bhuj, as, high corrosion resistance and imparting of
Gujarat; Balasore Alloys Ltd, Balasore, Odisha; hardness.
IDCOL Ferro Chrome Plant, Jajpur Road, Odisha;
The discovery that steel could be made highly
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Theruballi,
resistant to corrosion and discolouration by
Odisha; Jindal Stainless Ltd, Duburi, Odisha;
adding metallic chromium to form stainless steel
Nava Bharat Ferro Alloys Ltd, Dhenkanal, Odisha;
led to major developments in the Steel Sector. This
Rawat Ferro Alloys, Cuttack, Odisha; Rohit Ferro
application, along with chrome plating
Tech. P. Ltd, Bishnupur, West Bengal; and Sri
(electroplating with chromium) are currently the
Vasavi Ind. Ltd, Bishnupur, West Bengal are the
major commercial use for the element. The element
major ferrochrome producers in the country. A
also finds application in the production of
sizeable quantity of ferrochrome is also produced
chromium compounds, albeit to a minor extent.
by units in the Small-scale Sector.
The strengthening effect of forming stable
Chromite mine at Sukinda became the first unit metal carbides at the grain boundaries and the
to obtain Integrated Management System (IMS) strong increase in corrosion resistance has made
certification (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and chromium an important alloying material for steel.
OHSAS 18001:2007). Tata Steel Ltd, FACOR and The high-speed tool steels contain between 3 and
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), the three 5% chromium. Stainless steel, the main corrosion-
major producers of charge chrome in the country proof metal alloy is formed when chromium is
have a total capacity of about 1,82,500 tpy. Tata added to iron in sufficient concentrations usually
Steel with its charge chrome plant at Bamnipal, above 11%. User's specifications of chromite in
Odisha, has a capacity of 55,000 tpy, while FACOR major consuming industries are furnished in
has a capacity of 65,000 tpy charge chrome at its Table-10.
Randia Plant, Bhadrak district, Odisha. Indian

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 CHROMITE

Table – 10 : User's Specifications of Chromite in Major Consuming Industries

Industry/Name and location of plant Specifications of ore consumed

FERROCHROME/CHARGE CHROME
Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
Cronimet Alloys India Ltd, Lumps : Cr 2O3 40% to 50%
Ravivalasa, Distt Srikakulam Fines : Cr2 O3 40% to 52%
Concentrates : Cr2 O 3 40%

Ferro-Alloys Corp. Ltd, Lumps : Cr2O 3 38% to 40%

Shreeram Nagar, Distt Vizianagaram Fines : Cr 2O3 38% to 40%

Friable : Cr2 O3 48% to 50%
Concentrates : Cr 2O 3 48% to 50%
JSL Ltd, (formerly Lumps : Cr 2O3 38%
Jindal Stainless Steel Ltd) Cr:Fe : 2 : 9
Jindal Nagar, Distt Vizianagaram

Nav Bharat Ventures Ltd, Lumps: Cr2 O3 28-42%

Paloncha, Distt Khammam Fines: Cr 2O 3 48-50%, 52-54%
GMR Technologies & Industries Ltd, Lumps: Cr2O3 38-45%
Ravivalasa, Distt Srikakulam Fines: Cr2 O3 45-55 %
VBC Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps: Cr2 O3 36-52%
Rudragram, Distt Medak, Telangana

Chhattisgarh
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Lumps : Cr2O 3+38%
Raigarh Cr:Fe : 2 : 9
Fines : Cr2 O3+52%, Cr:Fe : 2:6
Deepak Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps : Cr2 O3 36-40%
Urla, Distt Raipur Fines : Cr2 O3 48-52%

Jammu & Kashmir

Shree Sitaram Industries Pvt. Ltd, Lumps : Cr2 O3 40% to 52%
Distt Samba Fines : Cr2O 3 40% to +52%,

Odisha
Balasore Alloys Ltd,
(formerly Ispat Alloys Ltd) Lumps : Cr 2O3 - 40%
Balgopalpur, Distt Balasore Fines : Cr2 O3 - 40 to +52%
Ferro Alloys Corp. Ltd, Lumps : Cr2 O3 N.A.;
Charge Chrome Division, Friable : Cr2 O3 40% & above;
Randia, Distt Bhadrak Concentrates : N.A.
IDCOL Ferro Chrome & Alloys Ltd, Cr2 O 3 : 42-52%
Jajpur Road, Distt Cuttack SiO2 : 6% max.
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps: Cr2 O3 : 40 to >52%
(Formerly, Indian Charge Chrome Ltd) SiO2 : 15% max.
Choudwar, Distt Cuttack Fines: 40 to 50% & above
Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, Lumps: Cr2O 3 : 40 to 52%
Therubali, Distt Raygada Fines: Cr2O3 : 40 to >52%
Concentrates: N.A.
Rohit Ferro Tech. Ltd, (Unit 2) Lumps, fines & concentrates
Duburi, Distt Jajpur

(contd)

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 CHROMITE

Table-10 (Concld)

Industry/Name and location of plant Specifications of ore consumed

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

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

West Bengal
Rohit Ferro Tech Ltd, (Unit 1) Lumps, fines & concentrates
Bishnupur, Distt Bankura

REFRACTORY
Chhattisgarh
SAIL Refractories Unit, Friable lumps :
Marauda, Distt Durg Cr 2O3 : 52 to 54% min. SiO2 : 5% max.

Vishva Vishal Engineering Ltd, Bhilai, Durg Cr 2O3 : 50%, SiO2 : 4.5% max.
Fe 2O3 : 8%

Maharashtra
Joglekar Refractories & Ceramics (P) Ltd, Lumps Cr2O3 44% min. CaO < 2%, Fe2 O3 < 21%
Rabale, Distt Thane Imported sand - 30 to +85 mesh, Cr 2 O3 45% min.
SiO2 < 1%, Fe2 O3 < 27%
Odisha

Orissa Industries Ltd, Cr 2O 3 : 52 to 54%

Lathikata Works, Fe2O 3 : 15 to 18% max.
Distt Sundargarh SiO2 : 3 to 5%

IFGL Refractories Ltd, Cr2 O3 : 55% min. -16 to +22 mesh

Kalunga, Distt Sundargarh

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

Belpahar, Distt Jharsududa

Shree Chem Industries (Pvt.) Ltd, Cr 2O3 : 54%

Mandiyakudar, Distt Sundargarh SiO2 : 5 to 9% min.
Kalinga Ferro Ispat Pvt Ltd, Fines Cr 2O 3 : 40-52% & above,
Mandia, Distt Jajpur

Khemka Refractories Pvt. Ltd, Fines Cr2 O3 : 52% min.

Kamakhyanagar - 759 018,
Distt Dhenkanal

Tamil Nadu
Burn Standard Co. Ltd, Cr 2O3 : 52 to 54% min., SiO2 : 3 to 5% max.
Salem Fe2O 3 : 15 to 18% max.

C. Nataraj Ceramics & Chem. Industry Lumps, Cr 2O3 + 44%. Fe2O3 -25%
Dalmiapuram, Distt Tiruchirapalli

West Bengal
National Refractories, Cr2 O3 : 52% min., above fines
P.O. Salampur - 713 357, Distt Burdwan

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

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 CHROMITE

TRADE POLICY Import Policy, ITC(HS), 2017 Schedule-2 " Export

Policy" the imports of chromium ore
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
lumps, friable ores and concentrates are freely
Department of Commerce had come out
allowed. The export policy on chromite is stated as
with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for
follows: Chapter 2601 " Iron ores and concentrates,
the period 2015-2020. As per the present Export-
including roasted iron pyrites.

Tariff Item
HS Code Item Export Policy
26100000 ( a ) Chrome ore lump containing -
(i) 47% Cr2 O3 and above

26100020 (b) Chrome ore lumps containing 40% or more -

but less than 47% Cr2 O3
26100030 ( c ) Chrome ore lumps with Cr2O3 below 40% -
26100040 (d) Chrome ore friable and conc. fixes containing -
47% Cr2O3 and above

26100090 ( e ) Other

WORLD REVIEW The world mine production of chromite ores &

World reserves of Shipping-grade chromite are concentrates increased by 3% to 38.6 million tonnes
about 570 million tonnes in terms of chromite ore. in 2019 from 37.5 million tonnes recorded in the
Countries that possess sizeable quantities of
previous year. South Africa was the leading producer
reserves are Kazakhstan (40%) and South Africa
contributing about 46% to the total world production
(35%). These two countries together hold about 75%
followed by Kazakhstan (18%), India (10%), Turkey
of world's chromite reserves. India possesses 18%
and while Turkey accounts for 5% of the world (9%), Zimbabwe (4%), Albania & Finland (3% each)
reserves of chromite. The available data on world and Russia & Oman (2% each) (Table-12).
reserves of chromite (Shipping-grade) is furnished
Table – 12 : World Mine Production of
in Table-11. Chromium Ores and Concentrates
Table – 11 : World Reserves of Chromite (By Principal Countries)
(Shipping Grade)** (In '000 tonnes)
(By Principal Countries)
(In ' 000 tonnes of chromium content) Country 2017 2018 2019
Country Reserves World: Total (rounded off) 33900 37500 38600
World: Total (rounded off) 570000 South Africa 16587 17829 17664
Finland 13000 Kazakhstan 6313 6889 7019
India* 100000
India (e)** 3481 3971 3837
Kazakhstan 230000
Turkey 2554 2897 3364
South Africa 200000
Turkey 26000 Zimbabwe 689 895 1550
USA 620 Albania 808 1143 1200*
Other countries NA Finland(f) 972 1099 1184
Source: USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries, 2021 Russia 434 469 698
**Shipping grade - Reserves unit are thousand tonnes of
Shipping-grade chromite ore which is Deposit quantity Oman 632 885 608
and grade normalised to 45% Cr 2 O 3 except for United Other countries 1436 1386 1226
States where grade is normalised to 7% Cr 2 O 3 and finland Source: BGS World Mineral Production, 2015-19
where grade is normalised to 26% Cr 2 O 3 . *: Estimate, e: Years ends 31 March following that stated,
NA-Not available. *: Reserves/resources of chromite in f: Concentrates.
the country as on 1.4.2015 as per NMI database based **: production of chromite n india 2017-18, 2018-19 and
on UNFC system have been placed at 344.02 million 2019-20 was 3.48 million tonnes, 3.97 million tonnes and
tonnes. 3.93 million tonnes respectively.

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 CHROMITE

Upgradation of technology and advan- shut down the furnace, and repairs were expected to
cement in beneficiation processes, such as, take up to 14 weeks to complete. Mogale anticipated a
agglomeration of ore, pre-heating and pre-reduction 7,000-tonnes/year reduction in ferrochromium capac-
of furnace feed, closed-furnace technology and ity and production
recovery of chromium from slags have brought about
significant changes and are now followed worldwide. Zimbabwe
For generalised view of the development in various Zimbabwe produced 8,94,661 tonnes of chromite
countries, the countrywise description sourced from ore in 2018 as against 6,88,838 tonnes (revised) in 2017
the latest available publication of USGS 'Mineral and an estimated 1,80,000 tonnes of ferrochromium in
Yearbook 2018' chromium (Advance Release) is 2018 compared with 1,42,800 tonnes in 2017.
furnished below: Balasore Alloys Ltd. (India) agreed to acquire a
70% stake in Zimbabwe Alloys Ltd. (ZimAlloys)
Albania
(Gweru) in January to increase domestic and overseas
Albania produced an estimated 9,60,000 tonnes of
production capacity. The arrangement was sanctioned
chromite ore in 2018 as against 9,50,181 tonnes in 2017.
by the High Court of Zimbabwe. The investment also
Ferrochromium production was estimated at 60,000
settled ZimAlloys’ debt of $50 million to creditors. With
tonnes in 2018 as against 49,000 tonnes in 2017.
the debt cleared, ZimAlloys planned to refurbish and
Chromite ore and ferrochromium production increased
restart its blast furnaces within 18 months.
in the past several years owing to increased investment
in AlbChrome (Tirana), the leading chromite ore and Brazil
ferrochromium producer in Albania. Brazil produced an estimated 5,50,000 tonnes
Kazakhstan of chromite ore in 2018, unchanged from the 2017
Kazakhstan produced 66,88,700 tonnes of chromite revised estimate. Ferrochromium production was
1,75,061 tonnes in 2018 compared with 1,71,531
ore in 2018 as against 63,13,300 tonnes (revised) in 2017
tonnes in 2017. Companhia de Ferro Ligas da
and an estimated 16,00,000 tonnes of ferrochromium in
Bahia owned more than 95% of chromite deposits
2018 as compared with 16,40,300 tonnes (revised) in operated in Brazil. Ferbasa invested $2.1 million
2017. Kazakhstan was the third-leading producer of in its “Hard Lump” project to improve treatment
chromite ore and ferrochromium in the world. and mining processes in chromite ore production.
An investment of $6.1 million was also allocated
Finland to machinery and equipment. Ferbasa decided to
Finland’s production increased in 2018. The val- decrease its sales volume in 2018 compared to
ues for production in 2014 through 2017 have been sales in 2017 owing to the decrease in the global
revised and are now about twice as much as previously prices of chromite ore (Companhia de Ferro Ligas
reported da Bahia, 2019).
China
South Africa
China produced an estimated 30,000 tonnes
South Africa was the world’s leading producer of
of chromite ore in 2018, unchanged from the 2017
chromite ore in 2018. South Africa produced 1,76,17,099
estimate, and an estimated 52,50,000 tonnes of
tonnes of chromite ore in 2018 compared with 1,65,47,717 ferrochromium compared with a revised estimate
tonnes (revised) in 2017 and an estimated 39,00,000 of 49,40,000 tonnes in 2017. China was the leading
tonnes of ferrochromium in 2018 compared with an es- producer of ferrochromium in 2018.
timated 36,00,000 tonnes in 2017. Afarak Group Plc (Fin- In response to requests from the stainless-steel
land) announced a transformer failure of a submerged billet and hot-rolled sheet and Coil Industry in China,
arc furnace that produces ferrochromium in August at the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic
its Mogale Alloys processing plant. As a result, Mogale of China announced an investigation into imports of
6-14
 CHROMITE

stainless-steel billets and stainless steel hot-rolled In 2019-20, 159 tonnes of chromium & alloys
coil from the European Union, Indonesia, Japan and were exported to various countries which was 3
the Republic of Korea. The investigation was set to times more from that of the preceding year. Exports
begin on July 23, 2018, and would run for 1 year but of chromium & alloys were mainly to USA (84%),
could extend into 2020 depending on special Peru (9%) and UAE (2%). The exports of chromium
circumstances. & scrap was negligible. Exports of chromium
unwrought (powder) increased by more than
FOREIGN TRADE
three times to 159 tonnes in 2019-20 from 47 tonnes
Exports in the preceding year (Tables-13 to 20). The details
Exports of chromite (total) decreased of exports of ferrochrome are furnished in the
substantially by 14% to 33.90 thousand tonnes in Review entitled, 'Ferroalloys'.
2019-20 from 39.27 thousand tonnes in the previous
year. Out of total chromite exported in 2019-20, the
share of chromite concentrate was about 90%, while Table – 15 : Exports of Chrome Ore
chromite ore (others) accounted for 10%. Exports of Concentrates
chrome ore concentrate were almost fully to China (By Countries)
in 2019-20. Export of chrome Ore (other) increased
substantially by 23% to 3,433 tonnes in 2019-20 from 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country
2,788 tonnes in the preceding year. Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (`'000) (t) (` '000)

Table – 13 : Exports of Chromite : Total All Countries 34985 1167942 30465 735434
(By Countries) China 13913 463072 30377 732910

South Africa - - 88 2523

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (R)
Country Japan 21051 703583 - -
Qty Value Qty Value
Saudi Arabia 21 1287 - -
(t) ( `'000) (t) (` '000)
Figures rounded off
All Countries 39273 1337693 33898 867910
China 17492 602026 32069 795605
Spain 702 30674 1500 63405
Table – 16 : Exports of Chrome Ore (Others)
South Africa - - 292 8871
(By Countries)
Nepal - - 37 30
Japan 21051 703583 - - 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Saudi Arabia 21 1287 - - Country
Qty Value Qty Value
UAE 6 90 - -
(t) (` '000) (t) (`'000)
UK 1 33 - -
Figures rounded off All Countries 2788 116528 3433 132477

Table – 14 : Exports of Chrome Ore Lumps Spain 702 30674 1500 63405
(By Countries)
China 2079 85731 1692 62694
2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country South Africa - - 204 6348
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) ( `'000) (t) (` '000) Nepal - - 37 30

All Countries 1500 53223 - -

UAE 6 90 - -
China 1500 53223 - -
UK 1 33 - -
Other countries - - - -
Figures rounded off Figures rounded off

6-15
 CHROMITE

Table – 17 : Exports of Chromium & Alloys Table – 20 : Exports of Chromium Unwrought :

(By Countries) Powder
(By Countries)
2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Qty Value Qty Value Country
(t) (`'000) (t) (`'000) Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (`'000) (t) (` '000)
All Countries 47 60583 159 112565
USA 22 23277 133 87667 All Countries 47 60328 159 112526
Peru 6 6774 14 14996
USA 22 23087 133 87667
Brazil 6 7009 2 2619
Saudi Arabia - - 2 1853 Peru 6 6774 14 14996
UAE ++ 251 3 1768
Brazil 6 7009 2 2619
UK 1 986 1 1055
Taiwan 1 1069 1 717 Saudi Arabia - - 2 1853
Kenya 1 505 1 657
UAE ++ 251 3 1768
Egypt - - ++ 282
Pakistan 1 1053 ++ 274 UK 1 986 1 1055
Other countries 9 19660 1 676
Taiwan 1 1069 1 717
Figures rounded off
Kenya 1 505 1 657
Table – 18 : Exports of Chromium Articles, Nes
(By Countries) Egypt - - ++ 282

Pakistan 1 1053 ++ 274

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country Other countries 9 19594 1 638
Qty Value Qty Value
(t) (` '000) (t) (`'000) Figures rounded off

All Countries ++ 58 ++ 8
Nigeria - - ++ 4
Imports
Bhutan ++ 3 ++ 4 Imports of chromite (total) decreased by 23%
South Africa - - ++ ++ to 124.69 thousand tonnes in 2019-20 from 162.66
Mauritius ++ 47 - - thousand tonnes in the previous year. Imports
Nepal ++ 4 - - were mainly from South Africa (80%), Oman (11%)
Canada ++ 3 - - and Singapore (3%). Out of total quantity of
Sri Lanka ++ 1 - - chromite imported in 2019-20, chrome ore lump
Figures rounded off accounted for 65%, while concentrate and Other
forms accounted for the remaining 35%. Imports
Table – 19 : Exports of Chromium & Scrap of chrome ore lump were mainly from South Africa
(By Countries) (69%), Oman (17%) and Singapore (5%). Imports
of chrome ore concentrate were solely from South
2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P) Africa. Imports of chromium & alloys in 2019-20
Country
Qty Value Qty Value were at 1,514 tonnes as compared to 1,268 tonnes
(t) (`'000) (t) (` '000) in the previous year. Imports of chromium & alloys
All Countries ++ 198 ++ 30 were mainly from Russia (27%), UK (25%),
Nepal - - ++ 30 Netherlands (22%). Imports of chromium & scrap
Korea, Rep. of - - ++ ++
were only one tonne in 2019-20 as compare to
negligible in 2018-19 (Tables-21 to 28).
USA ++ 189 - -
Azerbaijan ++ 8 - - The import details of ferrochrome are
Figures rounded off furnished in the Review entitled 'Ferroalloys'.

6-16
 CHROMITE

Table – 21 : Imports of Chromite : Total Table – 24 : Imports of Chrome Ore Others

(By Countries) (By Countries)

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P) 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)

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

All Countries 162663 3154446 124693 2065046 All Countries 31291 630138 42984 739986

South Africa 109688 2522850 99301 1757431 South Africa 11048 395775 42503 725216
Oman 32852 310336 13855 141143
UAE 818 34087 324 7951
Singapore - - 3844 51313
Madagascar 16090 226911 2794 40226 Netherlands 326 11593 73 3302

Switzerland - - 2546 31249 Hong Kong - - 54 2009

Zimbabwe 368 5707 1819 27451
China 13 731 23 953
UAE 844 34932 324 7951
Netherlands 326 11593 73 3302 Germany - - 6 554

Hong Kong - - 54 2009 Spain - - ++ 1

Saudi Arabia - - 54 1463
USA - - ++ ++
Other countries 2496 42118 29 1508
Figures rounded off Oman 19024 185072 - -

Table – 22 : Imports of Chrome Ore Lump Malta 54 2315 - -

(By Countries) Other countries 8 567 - -
Figures rounded off
2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country Table – 25 : Imports of Chromium & Alloys
Qty Value Qty Value (By Countries)
(t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)

All Countries 128402 2419355 80819 1300165 2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)
Country
South Africa 95670 2022122 55907 1007319 Qty Value Qty Value
Oman 13828 125264 13855 141143 (t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)
Singapore - - 3844 51313
All Countries 1268 1031626 1514 923958
Madagascar 16090 226911 2794 40226
Switzerland - - 2546 31249 Russia 504 394775 411 231277

Zimbabwe 368 5702 1819 27451 UK 128 115390 376 206314

Saudi Arabia - - 54 1463
Netherlands 70 51783 337 184070
Pakistan 2421 38511 - -
UAE 26 846 - - Austria ++ 228 200 137716
Figures rounded off
USA 32 38970 32 48593
Table – 23 : Imports of Chrome Ore
China 362 277513 76 39722
Concentrate
(By Countries) France - - 31 23988

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P) Germany 5 23537 4 18984

Country
Qty Value Qty Value Belgium 25 14154 21 14425
(t) (`'000) (t) (`'000)
UAE 18 16135 24 13284
All Countries 2970 104952 891 24896
South Africa 2970 104952 891 24896 Other countries 125 99142 2 5584

Figures rounded off

Figures rounded off

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 CHROMITE

Table – 26 : Imports of Chromium Unwrought : Powders

(By Countries)

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)

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

All Countries 1121 867135 1416 819169

Russia 504 394775 411 231277

Netherlands 70 51680 337 184070

UK 38 28800 335 171329

Austria - - 200 136916

USA 26 17563 32 37001

China 336 257919 54 26794

France - - 21 15113

UAE 18 16135 24 12942

Japan 5 9102 2 3302

Belgium 5 3413 1 425

Other countries 119 87749 - -

Figures rounded off

Table – 27 : Imports of Chromium Articles, Nes

(By Countries)

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)

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

All Countries 147 164173 98 102997

UK 91 86589 40 34564

Germany 5 23501 4 18754

Belgium 20 10741 2 14000

China 25 19594 22 12928

USA 6 21407 ++ 11593

France - - 10 8875

Korea, Rep. of - - ++ 734

Singapore ++ 842 ++ 597

Hong Kong ++ 18 ++ 382

Japan ++ 1137 ++ 313

Other countries ++ 344 ++ 257

Figures rounded off

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 CHROMITE

Table – 28: Imports of Chromium & Scrap

(By Countries)

2018-19 (R) 2019-20 (P)

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

All Countries ++ 318 1 1792

Austria - - ++ 799

UK - - 1 420

UAE - - ++ 342

Germany ++ 36 ++ 230

Korea, Rep. of ++ 1 - -

Turkey ++ 281 - -
Figures rounded off

must strike a cost balance between raw materials

FUTURE OUTLOOK and electrical energy supply. There are other
The current status of chromite production and imminent issues like consistent supply of chrome
consumption is on anticipated lines, but the ore at the right cost, steady power supply and
consumption could increase enormously in the other input materials like low phosporous met coke
coming years and the country may have to depend and good market conditions that need redressal
on imports even for the domestic needs of in respect of the continuous and unscrupulous
chromite. Depletion of reserves is bound to create exploitation of chromite.
a serious problem for the future of the Chromite Adherence to stringent pollution control norms,
Industry in the country. An Expert Committee innovations in the process technology and plant
constituted by the Ministry of Steel, Government equipment design would become inevitable for the
of India, in its recommendations put forth the future of the industry.
need for detailed exploration of chromite in all the As per the latest available data, supply of chrome
potential areas in Odisha, Karnataka and in the ore is expected to increase at a compound annual
ophiolite belt of North-Eastern region with a view growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4 per cent over the 2018 to
to prognosticate resources to a depth of 500 m in 2022 period. Demand is expected to increase at a
Sukinda belt and estimate resources in all other CAGR of 2.9 per cent. This is in comparision with the
potential areas. Addressing concerns in previous five years, where supply grew at a CAGR
ferrochrome production which is energy intensive of 2.8 per cent and demand at 3.0 per cent modest
segment is also essential. Setting up of such plant reflection.

6-19