Chris Barrington

Abstract:

The global steel industry effort to reduce CO2 emissions includes a significant shift to DRI/EAF steel production from BF/BOF steel production that will require a major increase in the supply DR grade pellets for conventional DRI production. DR grade pellet demand could increase from 150 to a range of 400 – 600 MTPY by 2050. While overall iron ore supply will be adequate, the amount of iron ore that can be upgraded to DR quality is limited; furthermore, an increase in pelletizing capacity will be necessary. Steps being taken are outlined including: projects to upgrade existing pellet feed supply, new pellet feed projects, development of cold bonding agglomeration methods and inserting a melting step after DRI shaft furnace production to enable continued use of BF grade iron ore. The latter is particularly important for the Asia Pacific region where both the iron ore resource base and existing ironmaking plants are heavily invested in BF grade materials and facilities.