Abstract:With the continuous increase in global demand for stainless steel and special alloy steels, the output of high-carbon ferrochrome slag, a by-product of high-carbon ferrochrome smelting, has risen steadily. At present, the predominant treatment method for high-carbon ferrochrome slag is landfilling, which occupies large areas of land and presents significant environmental risks. Due to the presence of Cr2O3 in the slag, trivalent chromium (Cr3+) can be partially oxidized into hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) during weathering, posing potential hazards to ecological systems and human health. This study analyzes the chemical composition and mineralogical characteristics of high-carbon ferrochrome slag, revealing that its major crystalline phases include forsterite (Mg2SiO4), cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O18), and spinel phases such as Mg(Al,Cr)2O4. Notably, most chromium is immobilized within spinel phases, which greatly reduces its leaching potential and environmental impact. Based on these mineral features, this paper reviews recent domestic and international research progress on its application in construction materials (such as cement, concrete, and lightweight aggregates) and functional materials (such as ceramics, glass-ceramics, and refractories). Studies have shown that high-carbon ferrochrome slag possesses high hardness, a stable crystal structure, and a low chromium leaching risk, making it suitable for the preparation of construction materials such as cement mortar, concrete, and lightweight aggregates. In addition, when combined with other minerals or solid wastes, high-carbon ferrochrome slag can form high-temperature-resistant phases such as cordierite, spinel, and forsterite through appropriate sintering and modification processes, thereby meeting the requirements for the production of high-performance ceramics and glass-ceramics. However, industrial-scale applications of high-carbon ferrochrome slag in these domains remain rare. Future research should focus on several key areas. First, the synergistic utilization of multi-source industrial wastes: high-carbon ferrochrome slag can be combined with fly ash, blast furnace slag, and titanium-bearing slags to explore waste-to-resource strategies through coupled reaction mechanisms and heat treatment processes. This can enhance composite material properties and mitigate chromium leaching risks. Second, waste heat utilization and metal recovery: dry-type heat recovery technologies should be prioritized because of the high tapping temperature and sensible heat of molten high-carbon ferrochrome slag. In addition, combining techniques such as carbonization, crushing, screening, magnetic separation, and secondary smelting can improve the recovery rate of ferrochrome alloy, thereby increasing energy efficiency and resource utilization while reducing the environmental hazards posed by chromium in high-carbon ferrochrome slag. Third, it is essential to establish comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) systems and long-term environmental impact evaluation standards to ensure the safety and sustainability of the products. These efforts will contribute to promoting the comprehensive utilization of high-carbon ferrochrome slag toward low energy consumption, high-value utilization, and environmental sustainability. Close-