Taking converter steel slag as the subject of study, this research investigates the effects of different organic acids, concentrations, liquid-to-solid ratios, temperatures, and reaction times on the chromium leaching efficiency, and analyzes its kinetic characteristics and reaction mechanisms. Under conditions of 1 mol·L^-1 citric acid concentration, 50°C temperature, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10:1, and an extraction time of 80 minutes, the leaching efficiency of Cr, Fe, and Ca were 75.68%, 76.67%, and 2.6%, respectively. Analysis using XRD, SEM–EDS, and FTIR revealed that the calcium-containing mineral phases in the steel slag react preferentially with citric acid; the released Ca²⁺ combines with citrate ions to form calcium citrate, while a portion undergoes carbonation to form CaCO3. The dissolution of the calcium phase weakens the original structural stability of the steel slag, promotes particle fragmentation and the development of a porous structure, and exposes the chromium-bearing mineral phases enclosed within it, thereby providing reaction pathways for Cr and Fe. The Fe–Cr spinel structure is highly stable; citric acid cannot completely break it down, but only causes some of the Cr to be released from the spinel lattice. The dissolved Cr³⁺ forms a complex with the citrate ion, resulting in a stable, water-soluble citrate complex. Fe ions released from the dissolution of iron oxide mineral phases enter the solution by complexing with citrate ions. Kinetic analysis indicates that the reaction follows a contracting-core model and is primarily controlled by interfacial chemical reactions, with an apparent activation energy of 43.42 kJ·mol^-1.