The stockpile conversion programs by which stockpiled chromite ore is upgraded to ferrochromium and nonstockpile grade ferrochromium is upgraded to chromium metal were completed in 1994. Average Uncommitted Committed Authorized Disposals chromium Material inventory inventory for disposal Jan.-Sept. Chromite ore is not produced in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Chromite ore is produced in the Western Hemisphere only in Brazil and Cuba. Virtually all of Brazilian production is consumed in Brazil.
Cuban production is small.
The two largest chromite ore producers, accounting for two-thirds of world production, are Kazakstan and South Africa. Both are currently in the process of major political change. This lull in demand may be followed by strong growth-driven demand resulting from the institution of reforms in those countries. South Africa has been the major supplier of chromite ore to Western industrialized countries. In 1989-90, world demand for ferrochromium by the metallurgical industry exceeded supply, resulting in increased prices followed by production capacity expansion.