The Strategies of Chromite Terrace in Sukinda Valley, India: An Appraisal

Iron chrome oxide (FeCr 2O4), is a commercially viable and major ingredient of stainless steel. The Odisha state in India possesses 98% of the pre-Cambrian India’s Chromite ore deposits in Sukinda valley, Jajpur District. To meet the present escalating demand for chromium in steel industries, it is urged to extract more chrome ore to satiate domestic needs. The depletion of chrome deposits, rise in demand, fewer chrome mines, and less conversion from tailings increase of more toxic hexavalent chrome ion level in the geo-bio hydrosphere, shall aggravate health concerns for the people, fauna, and flora in Sukinda Ultramafic Complex (SUC).

The present quest is a collection of chromite ores and tailings. A chemical study is done by using the X-ray fluorescent spectrometer. An insitu/GIS study of the Sukinda ultramafic complex by using Arc-GIS, and ERADAS software has been done to originate hydrology, aspect, and hill-shade map of the valley. The literature, and as an inhabitant of the area helped in preparing the strategic plan through Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan.

CR (III) is a dietary requirement. The anthropogenic activities and atmospheric exposure have converted Cr (III) to Cr (VI) in SUC and have surpassed the recommended values. The noxious Cr (VI) in the geo-bio-hydrosphere shall invite health and environmental concerns in the future. The aboriginals of SUC are economically burdened with food insecurity, poor livelihood, health, and of formal societal values. The Sukinda Valley ore samples contain 50% chromite ore is economic. But the >7% of CR (III) ore in the tailings and overburden shall warrant the future expected exorbitant Cr (VI) in the geo-bio-hydro environment of Sukinda valley.