• OMC dominates output; others show performance
• Domestic ferro chrome production up 10% y-o-y

India's chrome ore output increased by 12% y-o-y to 3.53 mnt in FY26, compared to 3.16 mnt in FY25. The uptick reflects supportive pricing conditions in the domestic ferro chrome market.

Mine wise breakdown:

OMC strengthens leadership position: Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) continued to dominate this sector, contributing nearly 48% of total output. Its production rose 24% y-o-y to 1.68 mnt from 1.35 mnt, driven by higher volumes from existing mines.

IMFA, FACOR, Balasore Alloys post strong growth: IMFA recorded a 14% increase in output to 0.81 mnt from 0.71 mnt. FACOR registered a sharp 39% rise to 0.25 mnt from 0.18 mnt, while Balasore Alloys also saw a significant 27% increase to 0.28 mnt from 0.22 mnt.

Tata Steel, Jindal Stainless witness decline: In contrast, Tata Steels chrome ore production dropped 33% y-o-y to 0.39 mnt from 0.58 mnt, as its mines were not operational during the period. Additionally, Jindal Stainless reported a 15% decline to 0.11 mnt from 0.13 mnt.

Dispatch trends

Indias chrome ore dispatches recorded a mild increase of 2% y-o-y, reaching 3.09 mnt in FY26 compared to 3.03 mnt in FY25. Indias ferro chrome production also went up by 10% y-o-y to 1.49 mnt leading to rise in overall dispatch figures.

Most major miners reported higher dispatch volumes during FY26. Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) registered a notable 19% increase, with dispatches reaching 1.44 mnt. Vedantas Ferro Alloys Corporation (FACOR) posted the sharpest growth, up 42% to 0.25 mnt. Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys (IMFA) also recorded a 6% rise, with volumes touching 0.67 mnt.

However, the overall growth was partially offset by a sharp decline in Tata Steels dispatches, which dropped 47% y-o- to 0.38 mnt from 0.72 mnt in the previous fiscal, limiting the aggregate increase.

Dispatch procurement

On the consumption side, IMFA emerged as the largest chrome ore buyer, sourcing its entire requirement of 0.67 mnt from captive mines. Jindal Stainless emerged as the second-largest buyer, procuring 0.54 mnt (90%) from OMC, 0.06 mnt (9%) from captive sources, and a marginal 1% from Tata Steel. Balasore Alloys ranked third, with total procurement of 0.28 mnt, entirely met through its own mining operations.

Overall, the chrome ore market in FY26 reflected stable demand fundamentals, improved production, and a balanced procurement mix between captive sourcing and merchant purchases. Additionally, domestic ferro chrome prices strengthened by around INR 3,900/t ($41/t), backed by steady downstream demand, encouraging higher material movement across the supply chain.

To know more on what's happening in global chrome ore and alloys industry, join the 6th International Ferro Alloys Conference (IFAC 2026) being organized by the Indian Ferro Alloy Producers Association (IFAPA) which will take place in Goa from 16-18 September 2026.