Chrome ore beneficiation challenges & opportunities – A review

Supply of world chromite (chrome ore) has come under severe pressure over the past year driven by strong demand for ferrochrome used in ferroalloy production for making stainless steel. Many of the strategic minerals are inputs into products in fast-changing markets. This article reviews the major process flow sheets in practice for the recovery of chromite values from various types of ores and critical issues related to chromite ore beneficiation. The comprehensive condensation of pertinent facts is intended to provide a single reference source rather than the reader perusing many articles. Emphasis is placed on different processes developed in identifying and solving critical plant problems.