Tag: Sponge iron

While the blast furnace route for steelmaking has dominated for centuries, the direct reduced iron (DRI) process has gained prominence for its lower emissions. Central to this more sustainable method, the key component of DRI is the reducing agent, which facilitates the crucial chemical reaction to convert iron ore into metallic iron without melting it.

Globally, DRI production surpassed 108 million tonnes in 2019, showcasing its immense importance in modern steelmaking. So, what makes DRI a high-quality metallic material, and how is it produced without melting the iron ore?

With world steel demand projected to grow, the Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process has emerged as a crucial alternative to traditional blast furnace methods, offering significant environmental and efficiency benefits. This innovative technology allows for the creation of high-quality iron without melting the ore, directly impacting the decarbonization of the steel industry.

Globally, over 70% of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production is dedicated to use in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF). These high-purity iron products are reshaping the steel industry by providing a cleaner, more consistent feedstock for a wide range of steel products, from automotive sheets to construction materials.

Global production of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) surpassed 140 million tons in 2024, confirming that DRI is used around the world as a critical input for steelmaking. This technology is expanding beyond its traditional hubs to meet increasing global demand for cleaner, high-quality steel.

Over 80% of global steel production relies on metallic iron feedstock, with Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) emerging as a crucial component. The primary use of DRI is to serve as a high-quality, low-impurity raw material for steel manufacturing, especially within Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs).