Sukinda Chromite Deposit of India

 Sukinda Chromite Deposit of India

Sukinda opencast chromite mine

Introduction 

The Sukinda chromite deposit, situated in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India, holds paramount significance as one of the chromite ore reserves globally. Chromium metal is extracted from chromite ore which is an oxide mineral composed of chromium, iron, and oxygen (FeCr2O4). The chromite is a heavy mineral and it is concentrated through gravity separation from other molten material in the magma during the crystallization process. Chromite deposits are of two types: stratiform deposits and podiform deposits. The Sukinda chromite deposit belongs to stratiform type of deposits.

Stratiform deposits 

Stratiform deposits are large sheet-like bodies, usually formed in layered mafic to ultramafic igneous complexes. The Sukinda chromite deposits are of stratiform type. This type of deposit is used to obtain 98% of the worldwide chromite reserves. Stratiform deposits are the main source of chromite resources and are found in South Africa, Canada, Finland, India and Madagascar.

Podiform deposits  

Podiform deposits occur as discordant, subconcordant and concordant. Chromite forms as anhedral type of grains in podiform deposits. The ores seen in this type of deposit have nodular texture and are loosely-packed nodules. Chromite resources from podiform deposits are mainly found in Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Albania.

Geological Setting 

The Sukinda chromite deposit is intricately entwined within the Sukinda Ultramafic Belt, a geological formation nestled within the larger Eastern Ghats Belt. This chromite-rich region is associated with layered ultramafic complexes, where chromite ore is embedded. The open-pit mining methodology is predominantly employed in Sukinda, allowing for the efficient extraction of chromite ore. The mining process involves creating bench formations, facilitating the systematic extraction of ore layers. And where open cast method is less feasible underground mining method is utilized to extract chromite. Following extraction, the raw chromite ore undergoes a series of beneficiation processes to enhance its chromium content. Common techniques include gravity separation, magnetic separation, and flotation, contributing to the refinement of the ore.

Conclusions 

The Sukinda chromite deposit significantly contributes to both the local and national economy. The chromite sector plays an important role in employment generation and revenue accumulation, bolstering economic development. The future of Sukinda's chromite industry depends on sustainable mining practices and technological advancements. Continued research, coupled with a commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, will shape the trajectory of chromite mining in the region.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 27, 2024 at 11:59 AM

    Very informative article and information.

    ReplyDelete

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