Utilization of ferroalloy-production wastes

Abstract

The problems associated with the ongoing decline in the quality of minerals and the growing volume of industrial wastes generated in ferroalloy production are outlined. Measures proposed for resource conservation and waste utilization are reviewed. It is shown that the lack of waste recycling at ferroalloy plants is partially associated with the low economic efficiency of the available methods, whose capital expenditures and operational costs are high. At the same time, reducing the waste tailings will improve environmental conditions around ferroalloy plants and hence indirectly reduce governmental costs. Ameliorative measures proposed include the construction of new smelting units equipped with up-to-date gas purification and dc furnaces that do not require the use of pelletized materials; and economically appropriate utilization of natural minerals and industrial waste products.