RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN are currently developing research on the utilization of low-grade chromite sand as a raw material for the metal industry. This research aims to increase the added value of Indonesia's mineral resources thru more efficient processing and refining methods.

BRIN researcher, Ulin Herlina, in a webinar discussion on Indonesia's strategic minerals, Thursday, 5 March 2026, presented a strategy for processing low-grade chromite sand. The strategy is aimed at enabling the material to be utilized as a raw material for ferrochrome production.

“This is our research focus, how to utilize the low-grade chromite sand as a raw material for ferrochrome production,” Herlina stated.

In his presentation, Herlina also highlighted the challenges in the availability of high-quality raw materials in the global metal industry. The limitation of high-grade chromium supply has prompted researchers to find ways to utilize mineral resources with lower grades.

“High grade chromium supply has become constrained, so there is a need to utilize low to medium grade chromium resources,” she said.

Through a research process involving physical separation methods and thermal processing, the researchers are striving to increase the chromium content in chromite sand. This effort is expected to produce raw materials that meet the future needs of the metal industry.

The research is also part of the development of mineral processing technology domestically. This development is expected to strengthen the resource-based industry while increasing the added value of Indonesian minerals.