Mesabi Nugget Project Begins Production-- Pig iron plant based on Kobe Steel-developed ITmk3 process

摘要

US Steel Dynamics Inc. (“SDI”) announced January 13 that production of the first batch of iron nuggets was commenced January 12 at the Mesabi Nugget facility at Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota State, the USA. Utilizing the ITmk3 process developed by Kobe Steel, the plant began commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2009. By the end of December 2009, all individual production systems were operational, and ready for the integration of the overall process to produce iron nuggets. SDI says the announcement marks a milestone in that this is the world's first commercial production of nuggets using the ITmk3 process. The process has the potential, ultimately, to revolutionize ironmaking, and indirectly, steelmaking.