core sector communique

Performance test proves economy efficiency of Corex hot-metal production route

One year following startup of the second Corex module at the Chinese steelmaker Baosteel in Shanghai, a successful performance test has now proven the economy efficiency of this alternative technology for the production of hot metal. After the successful performance test, on June 5, 2012, also the Final Acceptance Certificate has been signed by Baosteel. “As opposed to the conventional blast-furnace route, the Corex production costs are substantially lower,” Dieter Siuka said about the performance test. Mr. Siuka is responsible worldwide for iron production at Siemens Metals Technologies. Less expensive and locally available raw materials yield the same quality of hot metal as higher-quality imports. Siuka expects that the Corex route will now be further rolled out as an alternative to conventional blast furnace production, especially in markets with increasing hot-metal production.