Interesting information, at the upcoming Corem Symposium in Quebec city on September 24 to 27th about Iron ore pelletizing and it's sustainable development, Pyrogenesis will have a booth and Rio Tinto IOC will present : Plasma burners in decarbonization of iron ore pelletizing

B. Kelly

Rio Tinto IOC, Canada

Abstract

Induration of high-quality iron ore pellets requires significant thermal energy to achieve the desired physical and pyrometallurgical properties. This energy is typically supplied from the interior of the pellet through additives like coke, as well as from the exterior by combustion of a carbon-based fuel like heavy fuel oil. As the world advances towards a carbon-free future, IOC is exploring substitutes for all carbon sources such as electrical heating with plasma burners in the induration furnaces. IOC’s decarbonization pathway will be highlighted along with the experience gained during the pilot trial of four plasma torches at IOC’s pelletizing plant."

Since Rio Tinto IOC will talk about the results of their pilot trial at this symposium at the end of September, I'm confident we'll have news about it in the coming weeks. And I'm guessing it's a positive experience otherwise they wouldn't bother to make a presentation about it.