Efficient Utilization of Metal Mineral Resources and Low-Carbon Metallurgy

Dear Colleagues,

To confront the climate crisis, which has intensified due to industrialization, achieving carbon neutrality is imperative. The metallurgical sector, particularly iron and steel production, is a major CO₂ emitter globally, and thus it is the subject of critical focus for emissions reduction. This Special Issue aims to explore the use of innovative pathways to achieve sustainable metal production. It centers on two interconnected pillars: the efficient utilization of metal mineral resources to minimize waste and primary resource consumption, and low-carbon metallurgy aimed at drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The key areas of interest include the adoption of zero-carbon fuels (hydrogen, biomass), the integration of recycled organic solid wastes, advanced blast furnace optimization, the development of novel reducing agents (bio-coke, ferro-coke), breakthrough ironmaking processes (e.g., hydrogen-based direct reduction), the implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies within plants, and enhanced end-treatment strategies. We invite contributions that provide advances in these fields to foster a sustainable, low-carbon future for metallurgy.

Dr. Shichao Wu
Prof. Dr. Jue Kou
Guest Editors

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