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Ore shortage’ hitting steel production, says sponge iron industry, seeks ban on exports

Ore shortage’ hitting steel production, says sponge iron industry, seeks ban on exports

  • The domestic sponge iron manufacturers fear a continuous shortage of iron ore may bring it to the brink of collapse.
  • Sponge iron is used as a raw material to make finished steel in electric-arc or induction furnaces.

Making Sponge Iron: A Viable Steel Source

  • Sponge iron, also known as Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), is an alternative material in steel production.
  • It's created by removing oxygen from iron ore using a special gas mixture rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
  • This process creates a porous material with a honeycomb-like structure, resembling a sponge under a microscope - hence the name.

Why is it Important?

  • Sponge iron plays a crucial role in the steel industry for several reasons:
  • Scrap Alternative: Since high-quality scrap metal can be expensive and limited, sponge iron acts as a reliable substitute for electric and induction furnaces.
  • Efficiency Booster: Sponge iron's consistent composition and lack of impurities improve the efficiency of the steel-making process.
  • Overall, sponge iron offers a valuable solution for steel production by addressing scrap limitations and enhancing furnace effectiveness.

Prelims Takeaway

  • Sponge Iron
  • Iron and steel industry

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