Chromite (chrome ore)

What it is

The only ore of chromium; mostly smelted into ferrochrome for stainless steel, and used in refractories, foundry sand and chemicals.

Lumpy ore (by Cr2O3 %)Friable / finesConcentratesRefractory gradeFoundry sand grade

Where India produces it

1. OdishaJajpurDhenkanalKendujhar

   Chromite mines are in Jajpur, Dhenkanal and Kendujhar districts; Odisha produces almost all of India's chromite.

Where imports come from

Low: 172.41 thousand tonnes imported in 2023-24 against 3,148 thousand tonnes mined.

• South Africa — About 93% of 172.41 thousand tonnes imported in 2023-24
• Mozambique — About 3%
• Turkey — About 2%

Rules before you buy or sell

• Chromite is a major mineral; leases are auctioned under the MMDR Act, 1957.
• Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Stockpile on lined ground; run-off can carry chromium, so manage drainage.