Utilisation of Iron ore Fines in Alternative Iron making processes - An Indian perspective

Extraction of metallic iron from iron bearing ores is the basis of iron and steel industry. Extensive mechanized mining and advanced beneficiation techniques to meet the oxide feed requirements of Blast Furnace, Direct Reduction and Smelting Reduction processes are resulting in gene-ration of macro and micro fines/slimes (washed fines)
in various mine sites of the country. Though a part of the fines, mainly macro ones, in the agglomerated form, that is either as sinter or pellet have found use in various iron making processes, the problem still persist with utilization of micro fines. It is understood that Bailadila
mines of NMDC alone account for an estimated amount of 11 Mt of slimes. Besides, substantial amount of fines is also accumulated in different mine sites. Partial utilization of mined output is not only affecting internal resource conservation but also contributing to pollution and envir-onmental problems.
In this paper, an attempt has been made to focus on various processes/technologies available today, utilizing the iron oxide fines and applicability of the same under Indian conditions. Further, based on available information indicative techno-economics have been spelt out.