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Chromite Ore is typically dark black to brownish-black with a metallic to submetallic luster. The rock in the image fits that description, with rough, granular texture and reddish-brown patches from iron oxide impurities. Chromite is the primary source of chromium, used in making stainless steel, alloys, and chrome plating

Chemical Composition and Purity Standards

 

  • Chromium Oxide (Cr2​O3​) Content: The minimum Chromium Oxide (Cr2​O3​) content required for metallurgical-grade ore is typically 48%, directly influencing the efficiency of ferrochrome conversion.

 

  • Iron-to-Chromium (Fe/Cr) Ratio: The ratio of Fe/Cr is the principal specification metric, where a low ratio (ideally 1.5:1 or less) is preferred for producing high-carbon ferrochrome alloys.

 

  • Impurity Control (SiO2​): Excessive silica (SiO2​) and alumina (Al2​O3​) levels in the concentrate increase the volume and viscosity of slag, significantly escalating the energy consumption in the smelting process.

 

  • Trace Toxins (Cr6+): Managing the presence of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a critical environmental and technical requirement, necessitating strict process controls during ore handling and thermal treatments.

 

Physical and Mineralogical Characteristics

 

  • Specific Gravity for Concentration: Chromite’s relatively high specific gravity (ranging from 4.3 to 4.8 g/cm³) facilitates effective and low-cost recovery through gravity separation techniques.

 

  • Mohs Hardness and Abrasion: The ore's high Mohs hardness (5.5 to 6.0) necessitates the use of robust crushing equipment and dictates significant wear on grinding media and liners during size reduction.

 

  • Lump vs. Fines Sizing: Effective smelting operation requires a precise particle size distribution; fines must undergo an expensive agglomeration step, such as pelletizing or sintering, before furnace introduction.

 

  • Refractory Stability : Refractory-grade chromite is characterized by its exceptionally high melting point (exceeding 2,180∘C), making it ideal for the structural lining of high-temperature furnaces.

 

Processing and End-Use Behavior

 

  • Crystal Structure and Form: Chromite forms within the spinel group of minerals, exhibiting an isometric crystal structure that influences its crushability and resistance to chemical alteration.

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  • Metallurgical Oxidation State: Chromium exists primarily in the stable trivalent oxidation state (Cr3+) within the ore, which must be reduced to metallic chromium (Cr) during the energy-intensive smelting phase.

Based on the current geopolitical landscape and recent policy announcements, the US sanctions framework significantly impacts global commodity sales in 2025:

 

  • The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has intensified restrictions on Russia's energy sector, specifically targeting major oil producers and the affiliated maritime logistics networks to suppress commodity revenue streams.

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  • Compliance risk for commodity traders remains elevated due to the increased scrutiny of the shadow fleet and the potential for secondary sanctions on international actors facilitating the illicit transport of sanctioned crude oil and petroleum products.

Incoterms 2020 defines the essential responsibilities, costs, and risks for buyers and sellers in the international and domestic delivery of goods, standardizing commercial contract clauses globally. These rules, published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ensure clarity in critical activities like export clearance, carriage obligations, and the precise point of risk transfer between the two parties. A fundamental change in Incoterms 2020 was the clarification of appropriate levels of insurance coverage for the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) rules, mitigating financial exposure for the cargo owner during transit. A significant structural update in Incoterms 2020 was the renaming of DAT (Delivered at Terminal) to DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded), providing flexibility for the delivery point to be any agreed-upon location, not strictly a terminal.