Khromtau, town in Kazakhstan

Khromtau is a town in Aktobe Region, the administrative center of Khromtau District, formed as a workers' settlement in 1940 at the Donskoy mining and processing combine and granted city status in 1967. Its economy rests on chromium ore: open-cast mining left enormous pits, and underground mines are now worked by Kazchrome, a subsidiary of ENRC. On the main square a newly built mosque and a new Russian Orthodox church stand side by side.

The city was founded in 1940 as a small settlement after chromium ore deposits were discovered, gaining official city status in 1967. Its development was tied to industrialization and growing demand for minerals in the Soviet steel industry.

The name Khromtau reflects the chromium ore deposits that define the city's character. Different communities - Kazakhs, Russians, Ukrainians - coexist here, and their presence shapes everyday routines and gathering places centered around mining work.

The city is easiest to reach via the M32 highway, which connects it to other regions of Kazakhstan and the Russian border. Once there, exploring on foot or by car works best to experience the industrial sites and daily life.

Khromtau's ore holds a higher percentage of chromium than the comparable deposit in South Africa, the only one larger in the world. The town also gave Kazakh bandy several national junior titles, including a 2016 win on home ice and a 2017 victory in Oral.