Faiza Tehseen

Systematic exploitation of chromium ore deposits in Pakistan offers a promising opportunity for home industry and exports.

“It is crucial to make this mining segment more sustainable and profitable,” says Abdul Bashir, the chief geologist at Koh-e-Daleel Mining Company Private Limited, a Blochistan-based mining firm. Talking to WealthPK, he said, “Chromium ore deposits are often associated with ultramafic rocks having low silica and high magnesium and iron content. Peridotite and dunite are common host rocks of chromium ore. It is a transitional metal, exhibiting various textures – banded, disseminated and massive.”

He said that chromium can occur as disseminated grains, veins or concentrated lenses within these ultramafic rocks. “In some cases, chromium ore can be transported and deposited as sedimentary particles or chromium ore-rich layers or lenses.” Bashir said, “Chromium is an important trace element, particularly in ultramafic and mafic rocks, while a major element in several minerals – chromite, uvarovite, and crocoite.

Depending on different geological environments, other accessory or associated minerals with chromium ore deposits may include pyroxene, olivine, serpentine, magnesite, talc, and other minerals associated with ultramafic rocks.” He said that in Pakistan, the probable chromite reserves are estimated at around 4.5 million metric tonnes. “Further, systematic exploration can highlight some more deposits.

Chromium ore deposits abundantly occur in Wad, Khuzdar, Bela, Khanozai, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Waziristan, Jijal Complex, Nisai, Gwal, Ras-Koh Mountain Range, Gulistan, Chaman, Mianwali and Shangla.” Bashir said, “Different grades of chromium ore are used for different industrial purposes – metallurgical grade (high in chromium), chemical grade (high iron chromite), foundry grade (low silica chromite), and refractory grade (high aluminium chromite).” He said that chromium is vastly used in different industrial applications.

“It is used to produce stainless steel, metal ceramics, synthetic rubies, refractory materials and moulds for brick firing. Due to its highly anti-corrosive nature, chromium is used to electroplate different metals and a shiny finish. Chrmium is used as a catalyst for dyeing and leather tanning. It is used in dye manufacturing, paint, pigment and chemical industry.” The geologist continued, “Chromium is extensively used to produce various steel and heat-resistant alloys for further use in applications where resistance to high temperature, strength and toughness is critical.

Chemical grade chromium is used to produce chromic acid.” He said that in Pakistan, small-scale local market exists for chemical grade chromite. “A large quantity of unprocessed metallurgical grade chromium ore is exported, which must be checked. Processed export of chromium ore will fetch benefits for the stakeholders related to the mining industry and the exchequer.”  Bashir further said, “Locally established plants in Balochistan and in other parts of the country mostly upgrade the chrom ore from 30% to 45% and up to 50%.

The government should help establish more sophisticated upgradation units to improve quality.” He said that modern techniques of extraction and processing are also needed to be introduced. “Lack of such methods results in inefficiencies, low yields, high costs, and limiting the industry’s ability to capitalise on chromium ore deposits.” “Pakistan needs foreign investment to extract and process chromium.

But, for this to happen, it is necessary that the government formulates flexible policies and extends incentives,” he noted. Meanwhile, talking to WealthPK, Imran Babar, a geologist and miner, said, “Balochistan is rich in chromium deposits, but lack of awareness and training about its processing and scientific mining is causing economic losses.” He said the government must incentivise the chromium mining. He also said that the government should ban the export of non-processed chromium ore.

Credit: INP-WealthPk