The federal environment minister Sussan Ley has toured Waratah-based steel maker Molycop’s facilities in NSW to view in person efforts to decarbonise steel production.
Ley joined UNSW SMaRT Centre Director, Professor Veena Sahajwalla at the Newcastle steel works to see up close SMaRT’s Green Steel technology that uses waste to replace coke and coal in steel making.
Ley said on social media: “Called in to Waratah-based steel maker Molycop, to get an update on new Polymer Injection Technology at its electric arc furnace, developed in partnership with UNSW and designed to replace coking coal with discarded rubber from old tyres and conveyor belts, on the way to commercialising green steel production.
“An exciting recycling initiative, supported by the…government and internationally significant Veena Sahajwalla.”
UNSW SMaRT Centre is collaborating with Molycop to develop the next generation of SMaRT’s Green Steel ‘Polymer Injection Technology’ which uses waste rubber tyres, and other wastes such as plastics and coffee grounds, to improve the steel making process in electric arc furnaces.
Veenas Polymer Injection Technology process uses a mix of coke and recycled plastics to create a more stable foamy product. This results in a greater furnace energy efficiency and yield as well as a lower raw material cost.
Picture: UNSW, Sydney, Susan Ley, centre, Professor Veena Sahajwalla, right.
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