Global chromium mine production 2010-2023

In 2023, the global mine production of the transition metal chromium amounted to a gross weight of 41 million metric tons, a significant increase from the 2010 production volume of 23.7 million metric tons.

Chromium and its uses

Chromium is a chemical element with hard and brittle features. The metal is the main additive in stainless steel because it provides anti-corrosive properties. It is considered valuable because it can be polished to a high degree while being tarnish resistant. Chrome plating, often simply referred to as chrome, consists of a thin layer of chromium being electroplated onto a metal object. Chrome can be used for both decorative purposes – as in the automotive industry – and for industrial purposes, in order to reduce friction, minimize seizing of parts, and more.

Chromium: the global picture

The world's total chromium reserves amounted to some 560 million metric tons as of 2023. Kazakhstan held the largest reserves worldwide, accounting for 230 million metric tons or more than 40 percent of the world's total that year. Meanwhile, the leading chromium producing country in 2023 was South Africa, the holder of the second largest reserves globally. Turkey, Kazakhstan, and India were amongst the other leading producers worldwide.