Abstract

The control of chromite feeds is supported by alternating modes of operation that respond to imbalances in feed stockpiles. Conventional classifications of chromite relate to its end uses: metallurgical (with high Cr2O3 content and Cr:Fe ratio close to 3, to produce ferrochrome), chemical and refractory. However, natural chromite is represented broadly as (Fe,Mg)O⋅(Cr,Al,Fe)2O3 to illustrate the common replacement of Fe2+ by Mg2+, and Cr3+ by Al3+ and Fe3+. Indeed, the variation in chromite characteristics is problematic for integrated management, but can be handled through continuous improvement projects that apply process mineralogy and well-known quantitative methods. Sample calculations have been included within this paper to demonstrate the importance of standardised operational modes, and their potential impact on chromite processing.