Ferro Alloy Raw Materials of India - Mineral Resources, Characterization and Beneficiation

Abstract

Ferro alloys are the essential ingredients for steel making. These are used for either deoxidation or alloying to impart desired properties (strength, toughness, hardness etc.) to steels for their various end uses. The extent of usage of ferro alloys depends on the type of the steel being produced, as also on the type of process route followed. Further the demand is inextricably linked with the growth of steel production and the change in steel making process. Presently 23 firms are operating In India, with a' total installed capacity of 677,130 tonnes per year, for different Ferro alloys. Besides, many small scale sector produce special ferro alloys. But the present capacity utilization is hardly 50%. The main reason is lack of demand,(due to non-attainment of steel production targets,besides problem of availability of good quality raw materials and shortdge of power). Though, the present capacity can meet the domestic demand of ferro alloys till 2000 AD, the changing ferro alloy preferences and string- ent quality norms would call for a change in product wise modernisation. In this context, the raw materials, which are nonrenewable resources, needs special attention and review of their resources and utilization strategy. Iden-tifying the problems of raw materials and finding sol-utions to solve them, Is the need of the hour, for making available the right quality raw materials. In this paper ferro alloy raw materials, related to manganese, chromium, silicon and nickel, their problems, Indian scenario, characterization and.beneficiation are briefly discussed.