Paradigm Shift: A Vision for Producing Steel from Minnesota Iron Ore with New-Era Manufacturing Methods

摘要

The continuing evolution of iron smelting techniques and the promise of low-cost methods to produce near net shape flat products may allow a real paradigm shift in how Minnesota iron ore resources are utilized in the future. Currently, these resources are recovered in a well developed manner for use in blast furnaces, keeping the value received by the state low relative to finished products. In addition, as recently evidenced by the closure of LTV Steel Mining Co. and other closures on the Mesabi iron range, high capital costs associated with revitalizing older mining facilities often are viewed as prohibitive.