Geo-Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Solid Waste Materials Generated From Metallurgical Furnaces: A Case Study

The production of steel is associated with the generation of huge amount of solid waste materials like slag, dust, sludge, etc. Significant quantities of wastes are generated from steelmaking process which is a focal point now-a-days w.r.tits utilization as well as environmental impact. Steelmaking process broadly includes all operations from primary and secondary steelmaking to ingot and continuous casting of steel. At each of these stages of steelmaking process, substantial amounts of wastes are generated. Thus minimization and utilization of waste through integrated waste management has gained special significance in the present scenario, as these wastes have a wide ranging impact on the environment. The solid waste generation, presently in Indian steel industry is in the range of 450 550 kg/t of crude steel and recycling rate varies between 40 70% which lead to higher production costs, lower productivity and further environmental degradation. It is very essential not only for recycling of the valuable metals and mineral resources but also to protect the environment. In advance countries, the solid waste generation has been brought down below 200 kg/tls and the recycling and reuse rates are above 90% approaching almost to 100% level. This paper summarizes and analyzes the generation, composition, characteristics and present status of the utilization of most of the wastes generated from the steelmaking processes. The aim of the present research is to explore various developments for total recycling of solid waste generated from steel industry, so that the vision for making “clean & green steel with zero waste” can be achieved for survival and growth of steel business in future.