Chromium
About Chromium
Chromium is an essential alloying element primarily used in stainless steel production, which accounts for the majority of global consumption. South Africa holds the vast majority of known chromite reserves. The metal's exceptional hardness and corrosion resistance make it critical for aerospace superalloys, industrial coatings, and refractory applications.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Cr
- Atomic Number
- 24
- Category
- Refractory Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- Medium
- Top Producer
- South Africa
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Chromium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Chromium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Chromium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Chromium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Chromium is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Chromium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Chromium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Chromium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Chromium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Chromium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Chromium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Chromium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Chromium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.