Disclosed is a process for beneficiating chromite ore. The process can also be used to remove SO.sub.2 from SO.sub.2 -air mixtures which would ordinarily be vented. The chromite ore is pulverized and preferably mixed with sodium sulfate. Ammonium carbonate can also be added for subsequent vaporization to increase porosity. Sulphur oxide-oxygen roasting of the chromite ore is conducted at elevated temperatures in the approximate range between 300.degree. and 1,000.degree. C. or higher at approximately atmospheric pressures. After roasting, the ore is preferably leached using an aqueous ferric sulfate solution to remove soluble undesired constituents from the roasted chromite ore. The beneficiated chromite ore shows improved chromium concentrations and chromium to iron ratios when compared to the original ore.