Abstract: Chromite is one of the strategic minerals and in great shortage in China. The country relies on import to meet its resources need as the gap between chromite supply and demand widens yearly due to limited reserves and production capacity. Based on the systematic analyses of the distribution characteristics and metallogenic types of chromite minerals in China, we divided chromite metallogenic zones into 4 levelI domains, 11 levelII provinces and 20 levelIII belts. We also determined the forecasting parameters and established the prediction models: one for the intrusive body type ultrabasic rocks, and the other for the stratiformlike magmatic type chromite deposits. Using geological data—collected and tabulated for each province—and guided by GIS technology, we performed the delineation and optimization of the forecasting areas, and focused on the 3 selected levelIII chromite prediction areas for resource evaluation. By estimation, chromite reserves may reach 500 million tons in the forecasting areas. Our data showed that the national chromite resources are 7.21532 billion tons in total, with 1.56559 and 5.64973 billion tons in demonstrated and predicted resources, respectively. Integrating new and old resources assessment data, it is believed that great potential exists for resource exploration in areas such as Saertuo Sea in Xinjiang, Luobusa in Tibet, and Dadaoerji in Gansu Province.

Key words: chromite, mineral characteristics, prediction model, mineralization potential