Sustainability
For IIMA members, sustainability is defined as responsible production and use of ore-based metallics achievable by using resources efficiently, limiting environmental impacts and contributing positively to society. In so doing, IIMA members make a positive contribution to sustainable development.
IIMA members make a positive contribution to sustainable development.
OBMs, through their consistent qualities and low levels of impurity are enablers of steel recycling and the circular economy. We have a dedicated working group looking at the key issues and the best ways to support our members on their pathways to decarbonisation. In addition, as a member of the World Steel Association (worldsteel) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), IIMA encourages its members to support the aims and goals of the environmental and climate change initiatives of these organisations.
Decarbonisation whitepapers
These whitepapers aim to encourage discussion and collaboration with stakeholders in the merchant ore-based metallics value chain including academia and public policy makers. We believe that sharing knowledge and raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities in this process will help to deepen wider understanding and lead to potential solutions that ensure sustainable outcomes.
As companies all across our value chain – from iron ore miners to steelmakers – continue to publish their thinking in this area, our purpose is to identify common elements and issues and to catalyse thinking and advocacy for action. This is an evolving space and we will continually monitor and update the series.
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
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 & Direct Reduction Technologies
The scope to reduce CO2 emissions via alternative hot metal processes and other new technologies is discussed. This whitepaper provides an overview of smelting reduction and other novel ironmaking technologies.
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.
