Innovation and opportunities for change in iron-units supply chain thru new technology

Abstract:

Supply chain of iron-units for integrated steel plants still follows same historical pattern: iron-ore from mines to plant site. As plant sites became farther apart from mines, massive long distance and overseas transportation of iron-ore became necessary. Larger bulk carriers, sea ports and railroads became the rule. New challenges to cope with ever increasing cost and environmental constraints, call for a re-design of the supply chain. New technology products as iron granules, from emerging new processes, as Tecnored and others, bring the opportunity to a new pattern: iron-ore to metallic granules at mine sites or at the iron-ore export ports, shipped to remote steel plants as metalized charge for Blast-furnaces and steel-shops. Use of Primary Energy Melting furnaces, to progressively replace aging remote BFs, shall further enhance coke replacement benefits and power savings in steel plants.This paper puts together an appraisal of these new proposed production models, its economical and environmental positive impacts, plus the new business opportunities, for iron-units marketing and supply, thus associated.

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