Mike O’Driscoll
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Chromite concentrate from new non-met. grade supplier
Oregon Resources Corp. ORC |
As usual, availability for non-metallurgical, or so-called “special grades” of chromite is hostage to the fortunes of the ferrochrome and stainless steel industries which drive some 95% of demand for the chromium mineral (
see pie charts p.28).
Recovery in the ferrochrome and stainless steel sectors has created increased demand for chromite and thus shortages in available material for the non-met. sector Ð foundry, refractories, and chemicals - which has consequently seen prices tighten.
Another significant effect of the tight market conditions has been the encouragement given to the development of new supply sources focusing on non-met. grades only.
These projects represent a more sophisticated approach to chromite supply, delivering non-met. grades, at admittedly higher prices, to...