Prudent Utilization of the Chromite Reserves in India

Abstract

The chromite ore occuring in India at various places is not of the same composition and this has led to its grading as low, medium and high. Recently, the Government of India has decided to allow an export of a quantity of 15,000 tons of chrome, ore for the first half of 1954. As chromite ore has a very strategic importance for a country wishing to develop its resources, it will be proper to assess its reserves in the country and then devise methods for its proper utilisation. Reserves of high grade chromite cre. are of the order of 300,000 tons and the reserves of the low grade chromite ore are also of the order of 300,000 tons. The expected developments of some more steel plants in the country, the production of different types of alloy steels in future and the manufacture of different chemicals, from the chromite ore, required for the textiles, tanning ond other industries, etc., are to be taken into consideration in devising ways and means of utilising the different grades of ores in the best possible manner and also to conserve sufficient stocks for future use. It should also be seen whether it would be proper for India to export this strategic ore in future.