India – Sukinda Valley

Chromite, a heavy metal used in the production of chrome metal and chromium, was discovered in India, in 1949. Today, about 97 percent of the nation’s deposits are found in the mineral-rich earth of the Sukinda Valley in the State of Orissa, which is the location of a number of open cast chrome ore mines. Overburden and tailings are located all long the valley and impact the local water systems. Blacksmith has been in discussions with the local authorities and some of the mining companies to find low-cost ways to treat the mining wastes and the wastewater.