Chromium
Projects
Major Chromium Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Chromium projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. We track 3 key projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this refractory metal.
Current Production
44 million
tonnes (chromite ore)
Top Producer
South Africa
40% share
Projects Tracked
3
Reserves
12 billion tonnes (shipping-grade chromite)
Chromium Project Pipeline
The following projects represent the most significant Chromium operations and development-stage assets worldwide:
Bushveld Complex operations
Various (Glencore-Merafe, Samancor, others)
The Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa hosts approximately 72% of known global chromite reserves in massive stratiform deposits
Kempirsai chromite mines
ERG/Kazchrome
Second-largest chromite mining operation globally, located in northwestern Kazakhstan
Kemi Mine
Outokumpu
Europes only chromite mine, located in northern Finland; undergoing underground expansion
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Chromium, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Chromium projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Chromium projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Chromium project landscape:
South Africa experienced severe electricity crisis (Eskom load-shedding), curtailing ferrochrome smelting and causing global supply tightness
Ferrochrome benchmark negotiations shifted from quarterly to monthly pricing, increasing price volatility
Russia-Ukraine conflict raised concerns about chromium supply as Kazakhstan (major producer) shares close economic ties with Russia
South African load-shedding worsened to record levels, again constraining ferrochrome production and supporting prices
EU designated chromium as critical under the Critical Raw Materials Act; concerns about processing concentration in South Africa and China intensified
More on Chromium
Explore other aspects of the Chromium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Chromium.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Chromium.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Chromium.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Chromium.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Chromium.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Chromium.
Return to the Chromium hub page or browse the full Mineral Library.