Japan Steels Use More Aluminium Dross

Japanese steel makers consumed estimated 156,478 tonnes of aluminium dross in fiscal 2005 ended March 2006, according to estimate by Japan Aluminium Association. The volume was 73% higher than that in 1999. The consumption of mixed flux including aluminium dross and limestone flux increased when manufacturers shift to mixed flux containing calcium oxide and magnesium oxide by reducing fluorine containing materials to recycle steel slag. The association reported the results of research, which is second after 1999, for 16 plants of Japanese 5 integrated steel makers and 43 plants of 36 electric furnace steel makers with support by Japan Iron and Steel Federation and Non-Integrated Steel Producers’ Association. They consumed 140,030 tonnes of aluminium dross in fiscal 2005. The association estimated the total consumption including other plants.