Upgrading of low-quality iron ores and mill scale with low carbon technologies

Growing demand for high quality iron ores and scrap as well as abandonment of carbon intensive sintering in the future require novel technological approaches for upgrading of low-grade iron ores and recycling of mill scale.

The TransZeroWaste technologies aim to upgrade low-quality iron ores and by-products, enhance impurity separation, and boost recycling rates for low-quality scrap, contributing to climate-neutral, circular industrial value chains. They support the transition to low-CO2 DR and EAF production routes by increasing recycling potential and reducing critical raw material use. A decision-support platform will model the sustainability of steel production pathways, aiding the digital transition of manufacturing. The technologies fill gaps in recycling and upgrading for green steel production, potentially saving 4.3-9.9 Mt CO2/a by replacing sinter plants and enabling low-CO2 zinc recovery.​