Direct Reduction of Chromium Technology

Key Benefits

• Lower Temperature → Lower Energy & GHG emissions

• Near Zero-Waste → Circular Critical Minerals

• Lower OPEX & CAPEX → Competitive Edge

• Canada + U.S. + EU Critical Minerals Strategy → Strategic Advantage

Technology Snapshot

Direct Reduction of Chromium (DRC) process is a Canadian innovation for green ferrochrome production, offering an efficient, sustainable, and cutting-edge alternative to traditional methods.

• It is a novel low-temperature process which reduces energy use, waste, emissions and costs.

• It enables low-emission green ferrochrome contributing to Net Zero 2050 mandates.

• Protected by patents and IP under exclusive commercial rights.

Market & Strategic Context

DRC will ensure that the world-class Ring of Fire chromite resources are developed and reach world markets as value-added products in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Stainless steel demand rising with EVs and infrastructure

• Stainless steel growth forecast: 5–6% CAGR

• Potential for supply vulnerability because stainless steel underpins defense, clean energy, and critical infrastructure sectors

Chromium is a Critical Mineral in North America.

• essential for stainless steel production

• recognized as a strategic resource for clean energy, manufacturing, and national security

• its supply chain resilience and innovation are top priorities for Canada and the U.S.

Ring of Fire

Chromite ore

Ferrochrome

Stainless steel

Why This Process Matters

• Stainless steel industry is under pressure to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency → needs for a lower-emission ferrochrome route.

• Conventional smelting is energy-intensive and reliant on large footprints.

• Our Direct Reduction of Chromium (DRC) process circumvents these constraints while providing superior economics.

Technology Progress

DRC is an innovation stage technology requiring demonstration of its commercial feasibility.

Invented in 2017 and developed during 2018-24 at a Canadian federal research centre.

Technology readiness of the process is at TRL-7 meaning that the technology is proven and ready for demonstration.

The DRC process advanced from concept (2017) to TRL-7 demonstration (2025) and is entering pilot-scale commercialization under KromTech Inc.

DRC Technology Development Timelines

Collaborate in Canada’s next clean metals wave