The Current Status and Future of Iron Ore and Coal Resources for Japanese Steel Mills

Synopsis : There are iron ore and coal resources to supply raw materials for ironmaking for many years. Recent developments, such as the consolidation of raw materials suppliers and increase of iron ore imports in China, influence the present and future availability of raw materials. Carajas iron ore, pisolitic iron ore and "semi -soft" coking coal are the accomplishment of about 20 years' cooperative development of new sources and raw materials utilization by Japanese steel mills. To adopt the changes and natural resources availability, the next targets are Marra Mamba and high P Brockman iron ores from Western Australia for iron ore and less usage of prime coking coal for coal. In future, utilization of scrap is a key for steel industries.