A method of chromite reduction using cryolite (Na3AlF6) as an additive. The cryolite used may be pure cryolite or an impure mixture containing cryolite, such as the bath material produced as waste or as a by-product of aluminum smelting processes. In one embodiment, the reduction product is re-melted at a higher temperature to form larger metallic particles. In another embodiment, the chromite ore is granulated with cryolite particles and carbon reductant particles before being reduced.