German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp and scrap recycling firm TSR yesterday said they will begin testing of a new recycling steel scrap product developed by TSR in Thyssenkrupp's blast furnaces in Duisburg.
The production plant for the product is scheduled to begin operation in the autumn of 2022. The two companies plan to enter a long-term supply contract after a successful test phase.
Thyssenkrupp and TSR will use the findings of early-stage testing to further develop this new recycling product and to optimise any properties for the use of steel scrap in Thyssenkrupp's blast furnaces.
The optimisation of the product will allow Thyssenkrupp to increase its scrap charge rate from its current maximum level of 20pc. The product will replace pig iron in the steelmaking process, as it is already reduced, which will consequently lower the amount of reducing agents required in the blast furnace and the amount of iron ore required, the steelmaker told Argus. Coke and pulverized coal are the reducing agents typically used in steelmaking. Any drop in the use of reducing agents and iron ore consumption will cut the steelmaker's CO2 emissions.
Steel mills in Europe are required to cut CO2 emissions under the European Green Deal — an action plan set out by the European Commission (EC) that aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. The EC has begun a review of EU rules on waste shipments. This will be followed by a pubic consultation — proposals for the new regulations are expected to be announced in the second quarter.
