Ore mineralogy of podiform-type chromite deposit in Tedubara area and its vicinity, Kabaena Island, Indonesia

Abstract Kabaena Island is one of the areas in Southeast Sulawesi that has the potential for chromite deposits. This paper is aimed to provide information on the mineralogical aspects of chromitite from the research area. Back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging and chemical analysis of chromite were performed using an electron microprobe. Chromite deposits in the study area are of podiform-type. Chromite is massive and brecciated. Based on the content of Cr # = Cr/(Cr + Fe3+) of the chromite, comprised between 0.61 and 0.74, the studied chromitite can be classified as Cr-rich. The only PGM (Platinum Group Minerals) found in several chromitite samples is laurite (RuS2). PGM occurs enclosed in chromite crystals and in the contact with microfractures of chromite crystals.