South Africa based African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and its technology subsidiary African Rainbow Metal Technologies (ARMeT) have announced significant energy savings in steel and ferroalloy production with the new SmeltDirect smelting technology. According to a report published by Engineering News, researchers and industry experts emphasize that the technology can produce the same amount of alloy using 70% less electricity compared to conventional systems.
The SmeltDirect technology reduces the energy requirement from 4 MW per ton in conventional systems to 1.2 MW per ton, creating approximately 700 new jobs for every 200,000 tons of alloy produced. It also halves carbon emissions and provides cost advantages in both ferroalloy production and in revitalizing lost steel production opportunities.
ARMeT CEO Andre Joubert stated that all tests of the technology have been completed and that it is ready for commercial production. Initially, manganese alloys and specialty steel alloys will be produced in Machadodorp, with collaboration planned with both local and international partners.
Industry experts note that SmeltDirect has attracted global attention not only for its energy efficiency and environmental benefits but also for its potential to allow South Africa to utilize its own resources and strengthen its local industry. The technology also enables idle smelting plants to be brought back into operation.
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