FINEX (R): a new process for production of hot metal from fine ore and coal

Today, there are worldwide R&D activities to develop a new ironmaking proce ss using fine ore directly in order to enhance the cost competitiveness and environmental friendliness. Since 1992, POSCO (Pohang Iron and Steel Compa ny Ltd., Korea), RIST (Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technol ogy, Korea) and VAI (VOEST-ALPINE Industrieanlagenbau GmbH, Austria) have c arried out a joint development of a smelting reduction technology based on non-agglomerated fine ore and noncoking coal for the production of hot meta l. This technology has been registered under the trademark of FINEX(R). Aft er successful works in the laboratory scale and bench-scale testing facilit ies, a pilot plant (150 ton/day) has been constructed and is now in operati on in Pohang, Korea.