Evening star., 1941-10-17
Higher Steel Output
To Step Up Imports Of
Chrome, Manganese
Substantial Supply
Due From Russia;
Other Sources Available
BY OLIVER MCKEE.

BY OLIVER MCKEE.
With program to add 10000, 900
tons to the annual productive capac-
ity of the steel industry under con-
sideration, Federal experts are
studying anew probable future re-
quirements and supplies of two
metals essential in the manufacture
of defense steels-chromium and
manganese.
Though efforts are being made to
develop domestic production, the
United States is dependent today on
imports for approximately 80 per
cent of the manganese consumed in
this country. Domestic output of
chromium ores is comparatively
small-less than l per cent of
United States requirements.
o. P. M. estimates made this sum-
mer indicated that supplies of both
manganese and chromium would be
sufficient to meet 194l needs, with
1912 supplies running neck and
neck" with consumption.
Since then, the defense program
has assumed an even wider scope
and the United States is now plan
ming to ship vast quantities of war
materials to Soviet Russia. Assum-
ing continued Soviet resistance to
the Nazi invaders, it seems likely,
therefore, that the demands on the
American steel industry will be even
greater than was expected earlier.
Defense officials are now revising
their estimates of the prospective
requirements of chromium and
manganese. Though these studies
have not yet been completed, it was
said yesterday that it probably will
be necessary to revise upward
earlier estimates of consumption of
both metals.
AS a result Of the Nazi invasion
of Russia, imports of manganese
from the Soviet Union, in recent
months. have been sharply reduced
Until the middle of 1910, Russia was
the principal supplier of the United
States. In June, manganese imports
from Russia totaled 1924, ,00C
pounds.
Turkey ranks as the worlds Sec
ond largest source of chromium In
1899, Germany was Turkeys best
customer. Last year, however. Tur-
key stopped shipping chrome to
Germany. During the first eight
months of 1910. exports to the
TToi+aJ C+o+as +oto1aJ GO nm tnpc q c
compared with shipments of only
1896 tons during the corresponding
period of 1899. The United States
has obtained some chromium from
Turkey this year.
Other Sources Available.
Apart from Soviet Russia, the
principal sources of manganese are
the gold coast of Africa, Brazil, Brit
ish India. South Africa and Cuba
For supplies Of chromium, the
United States depends chiefly on
Africa. the Philippine Islands, Tur-
key, Cuba and French Oceania
Though the largest producer in the
world, Soviet Russia in recent years
has been consuming most Of its out
put domestically.
The bulk OF manganese anc
chromium for the United State:
comes from far distant sources oI
supply. necessitating long sea
haul. Shipping is thus vitally i'm
portant factor in the equation. Ir
July. according to Commerce De-
partment figures, imports of both
chromium and manganese showed 9
substantial drop. as compared with
June imports. This decline Is be-
lieved to reflect the Tightening ship
ping situation.
Chairman Land of the Maritime
Commission recently revealed that
approximately l25 American flag
ships will be engaged in the Rec
Sea trade during the seven months
beginning in November. Ships thus
assigned will carry war materials
to the Red Sea and on their return
either by way of South Africa OF
India and the Far East, will carry
to this country raw materials, rub
Der, tin, chrome, manganese AND
other strategic metals. With the
prospective enlargement of the Red
Sea fleet Government officials be-
lieve the flow of strategic metals
and other materials to the United
States will show large increase.
Low-Grade Ore in u. S.
Though there are extensive chro-
mite deposits in the United States
the ore is off grade and not suited
to metallurgical uses. New proc
esses of concentration are being
studied with a view to utilizing low
grade deposits. Large deposits have
also been discovered in Alaska.
Because of the dependence of the
United States on imported ore and
uninterrupted shipping. the Amer
lean Manganese Producers Associa-
ton this week predicted a possible
shortage of manganese. J. Carson
Adkerson, president of the associa-
ton, pointed out thats2 900 domestic
manganese deposits are now lying
dormant. Since private capital is
unavailable ION account of Govern
ment policies and the risks in
volved," he urged that these mines
be developed by the Federal Gov
ernment.
Other eynerfs coo little Likelihood of