Abstract

Chromite resources of Orissa are mostly confined to Sukinda ultramafic belt and Boula Nausahi igneous complex. In these deposits, chromite is mainly present as layers in ultramafic rocks (high magnesian). These high magnesian ultramafic chromite overburden rocks are dumped as waste materials during chromite mining operations. These rocks are classified as dunite, peridotite and their altered products (Serpentinite), pyroxenite and saxonite depending on their mineral assemblage. Petrological, chemical and thermal characterization of these high magnesian rocks have been studied in light of their utilization as a flux substitute for the iron and steel industry in place of conventional fluxes. The study reveals that the chromite overburden materials being rich in magnesium and silica have advantage over the conventional flux combination.

Key words: Ultrabasic rocks, Mining wastes, Flux, Iron and Steel industry.