Mixed scrap still troubling Japanese mills

摘要

The issue of mixed ferrous scrap continues to provide headaches for Japanese mills almost a year after the problem first surfaced. Mills have received scrap that has contained potentially damaging nonferrous materials and have imposed strict penalties on suppliers that have delivered problem cargoes. "We still have to be cautious when it comes to mixed metals. A Kanto mill was heard to have wasted a hot metal charge because there was lead hidden within the scrap used," a procurement official from another mill said. A scrap trader in Tokyo said the lead contained scrap was believed to have been delivered from demolition works on Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market. "We believe it was from the old piping, and these cases could surface more as the demolition is ongoing."