Direct reduced iron plants could be built in several East African countries to help boost the development of the region's steel industry. A recently completed report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) highlighted coal-based DRI production as a feasible way of providing raw material to steel producers, and pilot plant testing of local ores and coals is due to be completed later this year. In a related move, a company has been set up in Uganda to exploit an iron ore deposit that could feed the DR plant. Muko Iron Ore Development Co (MIDECO) was established last year under the auspices of the COMESA Metallurgical Industries Assn, which includes steel producers in the 20 member states of the Common Market for Eastern & Southern Africa (COMESA).Studies have indicated that iron ore from Muko is suitable for use in a coal-based DR plant similar to those used widely in India. Coal could be obtained from Tanzania, another COMESA member country.
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