World demand for metallized iron continues to increase, keeping pace with s
teelmaking requirements for lower-cost hot metal. Virgin iron ore and in-pl
ant oxide fines can be reduced to direct reduced iron (DRI) and hot-briquet
ted iron (HBI). Maumee Research & Engineering Inc. (MR&E) developed an impr
oved coal-based process for the cost-effective production of either DRI or
HBI Starting with dry compaction, the process combines the latest technolog
y for material preparation, rotary hearth furnace construction and environm
ental control. Coarse iron ore fines are blended with pulverized nonmetallu
rgical coal to produce a highly metallized (>90%) product. This paper prese
nts production and installation cost data based on operating and under-cons
truction iron oxide reduction facilities.