1 Oct 2023
Processing Startup for Chromium in Zimbabwe
Tsingshan Holding Group began construction of a fully integrated steel mill in Manhize, Zimbabwe, with ferrochromium production expected to start in October 2023.
Chromium trade
Ferro-Chromium
Stainless steel alloying element is a misnomer for this mineral commodity. The correct description is: Stainless steel alloying element is not a standalone commodity but rather a component used in the production of high-carbon stainless steels and other specialized alloys. This ferro-chromium alloy combines iron, chromium, and a high carbon content to enhance its properties. This type of ferro-chromium is primarily used as an additive to improve the hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of steel produ...
Stainless steel alloying element is a misnomer for this mineral commodity. The correct description is:
Stainless steel alloying element is not a standalone commodity but rather a component used in the production of high-carbon stainless steels and other specialized alloys. This ferro-chromium alloy combines iron, chromium, and a high carbon content to enhance its properties.
This type of ferro-chromium is primarily used as an additive to improve the hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of steel products. The chromium content in this alloy gives it its unique characteristics, making it an essential component in various industrial applications.
The production of stainless steels and other high-strength alloys relies heavily on the availability and quality of ferro-chromium alloys like this one. Its scarcity or fluctuations in supply can impact the global market for these critical materials.
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Relevant Events
6 Dec 2022
Ownership Change for Chromium in United States
Yildirim Group of Companies signed an acquisition agreement for Elementis Chromium, acquiring Elementis’ U.S. chromite processing operations.
30 Oct 2022
Ownership Change for Chromium in Oman
Oman Chromite signed a purchase agreement for a 20 % stake in a low‑carbon ferrochromium plant under construction in Sohar.
1 Oct 2022
Other for Chromium in United States
USGS announced a $3.2 million project to collect geophysical data to improve mapping of chromite and other critical mineral resources in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota.
6 Sep 2022
Processing Shutdown for Chromium in Finland
Outokumpu delayed the restart of a ferrochromium furnace due to maintenance, reducing production to 70 % capacity for the rest of the year.
Aug 2022
Mine Expansion for Chromium in South Africa
Afarak shifted its stainless‑steel production from specialty to standard grades in the second half of 2022 due to economic conditions.
Jul 2022
Ownership Change for Chromium in South Africa
Bauba Resources acquired an additional 52 % stake in Nuco Chrome, raising its interest to 74 %.
21 Jun 2022
Processing Restart for Chromium in United States
Universal Stainless resumed operations at its Bridgeville mill after the spill, with no injuries or environmental impacts.
9 Jun 2022
Other for Chromium in Oman
Oman Chromite Co. signed a joint exploration agreement with Minerals Development Oman to assess chromite feasibility at two sites.
11 May 2022
Other for Chromium in United Kingdom
AMG Superalloys UK Ltd. renamed itself AMG Chrome Ltd.; the change did not affect existing contracts.
11 Apr 2022
Accident for Chromium in United States
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products reported a liquid‑metal spill caused by a furnace shell breach in Bridgeville, PA, suspending operations for a week.
16 Mar 2022
Tariff Change for Chromium in European Union
The EU imposed import duties on stainless‑steel cold‑rolled flat products from India, setting an anti‑subsidy duty of 7.5 %.
16 Mar 2022
Tariff Change for Chromium in European Union
The EU imposed import duties on stainless‑steel cold‑rolled flat products from Indonesia, setting an anti‑subsidy duty of 21 %.
24 Feb 2022
Regulatory Change for Chromium in United States
USGS published the 2022 Final List of Critical Minerals, adding chromium to the list and influencing U.S. policy on critical mineral development.
1 Feb 2022
Regulatory Change for Chromium in United States
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $64 million per year for five years to the Earth MRI program, supporting data collection for critical minerals including chromite.
31 Jan 2022
Ownership Change for Chromium in Italy
thyssenkrupp completed the sale of its Italian stainless‑steel mill, thyssenkrupp Acciai Speciali Terni S.p.A., to Arvedi Group.
19 Jan 2022
Ownership Change for Chromium in Albania
Yildirim Group acquired Albchrome, including the Bulqiza chromite mine and two ferrochromium smelters, increasing its ferrochromium capacity to 650 t/yr.
2022
Mine Expansion for Chromium in India
Vedanta Resources’ FACOR increased chromite ore production by 70 % in 2022, the highest on record, through operational enhancements.
2022
Mine Expansion for Chromium in Zimbabwe
Jubilee Metals Group Plc completed the Inyoni Operations expansion, increasing chromite concentrate capacity to 1.2 Mt/yr.
2022
Mine Restart for Chromium in South Africa
Afarak Group Plc resumed mining operations in South Africa after halting them in 2021.
2022
Other for Chromium in South Africa
Tharisa Plc reduced chromite concentrate production guidance after a secondary mill breakdown lowered ore grades.
2022
Project Delay for Chromium in Finland
Outokumpu’s Deep Mine expansion at Kemi was delayed after an incident during construction, with commissioning expected in Q1 2023.
1 Sep 2021
Processing Shutdown for Chromium in United States
Cleveland-Cliffs idled its Indiana Harbor No.7 blast furnace from 1 September 2021 for 45‑day maintenance.
Apr 2021
Other for Chromium in United States
Cleveland-Cliffs canceled a planned second‑quarter maintenance outage at its Indiana Harbor No.7 blast furnace, keeping the plant operational.
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