Chrome Ore – Everything You Need to Know
Chromium ore, otherwise known as chromite, is a mineral composed of natural oxide of ferrous iron and chromium, with varying amounts of magnesium and Aluminium substituting for the iron and chromium.
This hard, brittle gray metal with both a high melting point and corrosion resistance, makes it a key element in stainless steel production.
What is the use of chrome ore?
Chromium is used with a range of other metals to provide hardness to steel, as well as a plating material due to its non-corrosive nature.
The most important applications of chromium ore are in the manufacture of:
- Stainless steel
- Gray cast iron
- Iron-free high-temperature alloys
- Chromium plating for surface protection
How many chrome mines are there in South Africa?
South Africa is home to most of the world’s chromite deposits and is actually the largest ferrochrome and chromite ore producer.
In 2021 alone, South Africa produced 18 million MT of chromium. Compared to 2020, SA’s output rose from 13,200 million MT, and continues to dominate the rest of the world’s chromium producers by a decent margin.
Where is chromite found in South Africa?
The four major areas in which chromite ore is mined in South Africa are:
- The Zeerust district
- The eastern chromite belt
- The western chromite belt
- The area South of Potgietersrus
How much is chromium in South Africa?
As with the price of any metal, the price of chrome ore is open to fluctuations due to a number of different reasons. SwapX sends out weekly reports that include the latest chrome ore prices, port stocks, news and market news.