High grade iron ore: a natural green choice, but not for free

The green DRI/EAF process requires a high grade input, currently aiming at 67% high Fe with a low silica burden. Most ores currently mined do not make it over 62%, so most ores would require upgrading through processing (liberation & concentration = beneficiation). If possible at all, this generally comes at excessive energy, material movement, waste generation and at low yield. Based on a theoretical approach it is made insightful why certain ores cannot be upgraded, why certain ores cannot be upgraded further and why currently only 45 Mt of the +1.5Bt seaborne supply ranks into that +67% Fe level.

Dr ir Rénard Chaigneau | Baffinland Iron Mines BV