South Africa and Zimbabwe are important chrome ore producers in the world. The chrome ore of the two countries has significant differences in chemical composition, use, price and market supply. The following are the main differences:
1. Chemical composition and grade
South African chrome ore:
Cr₂O₃ content: usually between 40%-46%, some casting-grade chrome ore can reach more than 46%139.
Cr/Fe ratio: about 1.3-1.5, relatively low25.
Impurity content: SiO₂≤1%, FeO≤26.5%, suitable for the foundry industry16.
Zimbabwean chrome ore:
Cr₂O₃ content: relatively high, usually between 48%-52%, and some ores even exceed 50%.
Cr/Fe ratio: up to about 2.0, more suitable for the production of high value-added products such as low-carbon ferrochrome.
Impurity content: Similar to South African ore, but the ore of some deposits is purer.
2. Physical properties and uses
South African chromium ore sand:
Good thermal stability, suitable for casting, refractory materials, brake pads and other fields.
Various particle sizes (AFS25-60), widely used in precision casting and metallurgical industries.
Zimbabwe chromium ore sand:
More suitable for smelting high-carbon ferrochrome due to its high Cr₂O₃ content and chromium-iron ratio.
The Zimbabwean government restricts the export of raw ore, and more is exported in the form of ferrochrome alloy to increase added value.
3. Price and market supply
South African chromium ore sand:
The price is relatively low. In 2023, the landed price of South African fine powder (40-42% Cr₂O₃) in China is about US$280-300/ton.
Supply is affected by power and transportation problems, such as low transportation efficiency and power shortage in Durban Port.
Zimbabwe chromium ore:
The price is relatively high. In 2023, the landed price of Zimbabwean fine powder (48-50% Cr₂O₃) in China is about US$360-370/ton.
The transportation cost is high (it needs to be exported through South African or Mozambique ports), but the policy encourages local processing.
4. Resource distribution and mining
South Africa: The world’s largest chromium ore reserve country (accounting for 74.8% of the world), the ore body is shallow and easy to mine, but it faces the problem of aging infrastructure.
Zimbabwe: The world’s second largest high-grade chromium ore country, the ore body is mostly located in the “Great Dyke”, but some ore veins are “chicken coop-shaped”, which is difficult to mine.
Summary
Comparison items South African chrome ore Zimbabwean chrome ore
Cr₂O₃ content 40%-46% 48%-52%
Cr/Fe ratio (Cr/Fe) 1.3-1.5 About 2.0
Main uses Casting, refractory materials, metallurgy High carbon ferrochrome, special alloys
Price (2023) 280-300 US dollars/ton (40-42%) 360-370 US dollars/ton (48-50%)
Export policy Mainly raw ore Restrict raw ore export and encourage processed export
South African chrome ore is more suitable for the foundry industry, while Zimbabwean chrome ore is more suitable for high-end metallurgical applications due to its high grade. Market selection usually depends on specific industrial needs and economic considerations
