Sumitomo Metals, Osaka Univ. to Develop Obsolete Scrap Melting Process

Sumitomo Metal Industries and Osaka University started joint study to develop technology for better utilization of obsolete ferrous scrap. They already developed technology to add carbon during scrap melting in order to separate iron and copper. They try to develop process for furnace with coke packed bed in 5-10 years for the commercialization. They started the study group in April with annual 30 million yen of budget. The main theme is to separate copper from ferrous scrap. They try to develop the process based on past study results including national project. They utilize the principle, in which carbon adding during scrap melting separates iron and copper mainly for better scrap melting. They also seek better utilization for valuable metals when the method can separate nickel, chrome, vanadium and gold. Japanese steel makers use obsolete ferrous scrap. However, lower grade obsolete scrap is expected to be cumulated longer term. Especially scrap with higher copper needs better process to be used. Such better process for lower grade scrap could reduce carbon dioxide emission along with better solution for higher cost for iron ore and coking coal.