Chromite in State finds no use due to absence of industries
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 23 2013: Even if Chromite of metallurgical and refractory grade is found at 20 different places in Ukhrul and Chandel districts along the Indo-Myanmar border, this mineral resource finds no place for use due to lack of industries in the State.

According to a highly placed source, Chromite is found at places of Lunghar, Phangrei, Sirohi, Gamnom, Pushing, Kangkhui, Yentem, Nungbi, Hangkao, Apong, Chingai, Poi, Pinghang, Nampisha, Kangpat and Chatrik in Ukhrul district.

It is also found at Kwatha, Sibong, Khudengthabi and Minou Mangkang in Chandel district.

The presence of Chromite at these places was confirmed during surveys conducted by Geological Survey of India and State Geology and Mining Division.

According to the survey report of Geological Survey of India and State Geology and Mining Division, the Chromite deposit at Phangrei is estimated at 77,400 tonnes while 66,000 tonnes at Hangkao; 1,68,900 tonnes at Nampisha; 13,500 tonnes at Sirohi; 66,000 tonnes at Kwatha and 28,500 tonnes at Khudengthabi.

The estimated deposit of chromite is enough to run an industry in the State.

However, the mineral-based industries are not willing to invest in the State due to law and order situation and also absence of a proper land law in hill areas.

The source further said that one Balashor Alloys Limited had conducted a survey to find out the amount of Chromite deposit in the State.

Notably, many companies have expressed willingness to establish industries in the State, but many of them have returned after filing application.

Chromite is a major source of chromium, which is a lustrous, hard, steel-gray metallic element, resistant to tarnish and corrosion.

Chromium is used in the hardening of steel alloys and the production of stainless steels, in corrosion-resistant decorative plating, and as a pigment in glass.

The most common uses of Chromium are in Dyes and paints, Stainless steel, Metallurgy, Chrome plating, Green rouge metal polish and Magnetic tape.

An expert told Hueiyen Lanpao that the State Government seems to lack knowledge on establishment of natural resource-based industries.

The findings of subject experts and researchers are often undermined by the Government officials and this could be another reason for non-industrialization besides law and order problem of the State, he noted.

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