Resources
This is our public resources page for core information about the ore-based metallics industry
IIMA members have access to member-only online resources, including the industry News Bulletin summary three times a week, quarterly trade statistics reports, bi-annual market reports, presentations on industry and issues, regulatory support and updates and our OBM document archive.
Fact sheets
In our series of core fact sheets, you will find explanations and information on all areas of OBMs, from general overviews to specific details for benefits of particular OBMs/metals in different production methods and uses. For further information, see our ore-based metallics frequently asked questions page.
What are Ore-Based Metallics?
An overview of Ore-Based Metallics (OBMs), types, typical benefits in use and general specifications.
Use and benefits of Ore-Based Metallics
A more detailed coverage of the benefits of using OBMs in EAF steelmaking.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of HBI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of HBI in the BOF and general characteristics.
Use of Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) in the Blast Furnace (BF) for Hot Metal Production
Background to and reasons for use of HBI in the blast furnace and general characteristics.
Use of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of DRI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Basic Pig Iron in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of pig iron in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of Granulated Pig Iron (GPI) in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) for Steelmaking
Background to and advantages of use of GPI in the EAF and general characteristics.
Use of High Purity Pig Iron for Foundries Producing Ductile Iron Castings
Background to and benefits of using HPPI in production of ductile iron castings and general characteristics.
Use of Foundry Pig Iron in Grey Iron Castings
Background to and benefits of using Foundry Pig Iron in production of grey iron castings and general characteristics.
Relevance of Iron Ore to OBMs
Basic information about iron ore and its relevance to production of ore-based metallics.
Value-in-Use of Ore Based Metallics (OBM’s) in EAF Steelmaking
An overview of the value-in-use concept and IIMA’s model
Logistics & technical guides
IIMA has created a series of logistics & technical guides for merchant OBMs. These are leading industry documents on the safe shipping, handling, and quality of assessment. We work with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the best standards are maintained. These guides are updated every few years or as required. In addition, there are other important logistics guides from other sources.
Pig Iron: Guide for Transporting and Handling at Terminals
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI): Quality Assessment Guide
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI): Guide for Shipping, Handling and Storage 
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): Guide for Shipping, Handling and Storage
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Fines: Guide for Shipping, Handling and Storage
More information
For further information see the following:
- The IMSBC Code: Regulatory Framework for International Shipment of Solid Bulk Cargoes – DRI
- Draft IMSBC Code schedule for DRI (D) (By-product fines with moisture at least 2%)
- ICMM’s Hazard Assessment of Ores and Concentrates for Marine Transport 2021
- ICMM quick reference guide: Solid Inorganic Cargoes: Equivalence of GHS Hazard Classes and Categories and Dangerous Goods Classes and Packing Groups
Decarbonisation whitepapers
1: Ferrous Metallics for Steelmaking
Introduces the term ferrous metallics, the materials within its scope and their importance in the achievement of carbon-neutral steelmaking. Introduces ore-based metallics as enablers of CO2 emissions reduction and the circular economy.
2: Future Challenges for the Electric Arc Furnace Process
Recognises the increasing importance of EAF technology in the pathway to carbon-neutral steelmaking and its interdependence with the selection of raw materials (ferrous metallics) used. Looks at the issues relating to the quality of raw materials and the impact on future utilisation of ferrous scrap and on EAF productivity, yield and efficiency.
3: Future DRI Production and Iron Ore Supply
Looks at the challenges and opportunities in the production and use of hydrogen-based DRI including the future availability of DR grade iron ore pellets and the prospects for fines-based direct reduction technologies.
4: Blast Furnace/Basic Oxygen Furnace Steelmaking and Alternative Iron Smelting Technologies
Examines a variety of options for improving the carbon footprint of blast furnace / basic oxygen furnace steelmaking in the short to medium term including process (i.e. changes in burden preparation and charging) and end-of-pipe (i.e. carbon capture).
5. Alternative Iron Smelting Technologies
Coming soon
6: Merchant Pig Iron
Introduces merchant pig iron its production, types and trade. Covers the decarbonisation of the steelmaking process and the role of ore-based metallics in general with a summary of IIMA’s SWOT analysis on pig iron in relation to decarbonisation of steel production.
7: Hydrogen in Iron and Steelmaking
Outlines the different types of hydrogen, the potential use of hydrogen in a range on non-metallic industries and the issues of adoption of hydrogen in iron and steelmaking replacing carbon reductants.
8: Optimum EAF Feedstock Selection for Maximum Steel Decarburization
In a follow up to paper 2, this paper outlines how the future of EAF technology is entwined with the selection of raw materials used to make steel. It considers how scrap quality is integral to a sustainable steel industry and the role that OBMs play in enabling this.
Value-in-use model
IIMA urges consumers of ferrous metallics to move away from a simple comparison of material based on price alone to one which takes into account the relative value-in-use within the application. In co-operation with CIX LLC (whose major contribution is hereby recognised), IIMA has developed a mathematical model which determines the relative value-in-use of ore-based metallics and scrap in the electric arc furnace steelmaking (EAF) process.
This value-in-use (VIU) model is simple to use and is based on Excel and Virtual Basic.
The VIU Model:
- Compares differences in % metallic Fe
- Considers C content and effect on charge C
- Considers gangue content and effect on flux requirements to maintain a desired slag basicity – could also consider effect of higher slag volume on Fe yield losses
- Applies a recovery factor for FeO and will need to consider additional energy required as well as reductant (probably C)
- Considers fines losses (DRI, HBI, Pig Iron)
- Considers moisture content and affect on energy requirements
- Applies value to lack of Cu
- Future plan: to consider additional lime required to deal with higher S and P
The VIU Model totals up all of the costs and benefits for each material and determines the equivalent cost of a ton of steel based on the price of each commodity and the various cost benefits/penalties associated with each scrap type. It can compare equivalent cost head-to-head or calculate the break-even price of one commodity against the other.
As feedstock material costs and compositions are constantly changing, the model should be run at each decision point.
How to use the VIU model
An instruction manual for the VIU Model is available to download.
Notes:
- It appears that the Model is not compatible with the IOS version of Excel, so the Microsoft version of Excel has to be used (April 2023)
- The Model requires macros to be enabled in Excel
- We draw your attention to the disclaimer in the Model.
Value-in-use model request form
Please note that completing the form with autofill may result in an error.
How to apply
for IIMA membership
IIMA members have access to member-only online resources, including the industry News Bulletin summary three times a week, quarterly trade statistics reports, bi-annual market reports, presentations on industry and issues, regulatory support and updates and our OBM document archive.
