Market evaluation of the chromite and garnet has confirmed that strong demand exists for these products. Chromite is benefiting from the tightening of supply from the three main producers coupled with the firm demand for stainless steel.

ORC presently has three primary minerals that are marketable products; chromite, garnet and zircon.

Chromite
The Oregon chromite has applications in the foundry industry as molding sand used in making precision steel casts. Approximately 3,100 foundries are active in the U.S. with several in the Northwest.

In all steel casting, a variety of minerals and sands are used to coat the molds, which affect the cooling process and finish of the steel. Chromite has superior thermal qualities slowing the cooling process which reduces cracks in the mold, giving the finished product more strength and a smoother finish.

and the U.S. are net importers of the majority of their annual requirements for foundry chromite. The U.S. currently has no domestic chromite production.