Current state of chromium production and application in ferrous metallurgy. Part 2. Ferroalloys

In 2023, 16,174 thousand tons of FeCr were produced worldwide, and in 2024 – 18,509 thousand tons. The authors collected the data on the production of chromium ferroalloys in 15 countries. The structure of the 20 largest ferrochrome (FeCr) manufacturing companies in China, Africa and Europe is given. The paper describes the projects for the launch of new FeCr production facilities in countries around the world. The production parameters (FeCr composition, cost, electricity consumption) of obtaining high carbon FeCr depending on the content of Cr₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃/FeO in the raw materials were analyzed. FeCr production technologies are considered, taking into account a large proportion of fine fraction raw materials. The paper presents the measures to reduce the consumption of electricity and coke. The advantages and disadvantages of alternating current and direct current furnaces, plasma furnaces, and microwave heating are considered, as well as the used reducing agents, and much attention is paid to the use of “biochar” today. Information on the studies related to the reduction of CO₂ emissions from the production of FeCr is provided. The volume of production and consumption of chromuim ferroalloys in the Russian Federation is considered with description of the structure of manufactured chromium ferroalloys by type (high-, medium- and low-carbon FeCr, metallic chromium, nitrided chromium and ferrochrome, chromium ligatures). In 2017 – 2022, the volume of production of chromium ferroalloys in Russia averaged 420 thousand tons per year (excluding ligatures and metallic chromium). The main enterprises specializing in the production of chromium ferroalloys in Russia are presented, indicating their productivity. In Russia, FeCr consumption is only 10 – 30 % of produced, so the domestic ferrochrome market is in a state of overproduction and is export-oriented. In recent years, the volume of FeCr production in the Russian Federation sharply decreased. The authors describe the reasons for the sharp decrease in FeCr export and production in Russia.

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