ERG said trials at Kazchrome's Donskoy ore mining and processing plant in Kazakhstan's Aktobe Region showed the novel flotation solution yields recovery of over 55% of chrome oxide.

The company now plans a reprocessing facility for the technology that will have an annual capacity of 1.7 million tonnes of tailings.

"This pioneering technology is a major milestone on our path towards ensuring sustainable and low- cost chromite concentrate supply for our operations in Kazakhstan," said Benedikt Sobotka, chief executive of Eurasian Resources Group.

The planned facility will process over 10 million tonnes of chrome oxide-bearing tailings, and will produce an estimated 450,000 tonnes of chrome concentrate per annum.

"We are very pleased with the results of the flotation trials, particularly considering the complex mineralogy and physical characteristics of our ores," added Sergey Opanasenko, chairman of the management board of ERG's R&D Centre.

Donskoy GOK has total proven and estimated reserves of 179.9 million tonnes, according to company documents, which also note that its chrome ore has "an average chromium content of 50% and a low impurity level".