Ferrous Scrap Generation Estimated to Total 1.08 Million Tonnes in North Japan

Ferrous scrap generation volume is forecasted to total 1.08 million tonnes in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures, Japan after Japan Earthquake. The generation is estimated at about 470,000 tonnes from automobiles and about 610,000 tonnes from steel structures.

In Iwate Prefecture, the generation is estimated at about 73,000 tonnes from automobiles and 357,000 tonnes from steel structures. In Miyagi Prefecture, the generation is estimated at 219,000 tonnes from automobiles and 146,000 tonnes from steel structures. In Fukushima Prefecture, the generation is estimated at 178,000 tonnes and 103,000 tonnes.

These scraps are likely to be transported by vessels. Marine transportation cost is lower than truckload while transport efficiency is higher than truckload. Some major ports were restored in North Japan. On the other hand, it requires time for re-establishment of rail shipment on the Pacific side.

Ferrous scrap is crushed and cut by shredder or shearing machine, and used as materials for rebar and shaped steel products by electric furnace steel makers. Disaster-affected electric furnace steel makers can’t operate in North Japan. Some of electric furnaces can’t maintain production stably by TEPCO’s planned outage around Tokyo. Other local electric furnaces can increase production for reconstruction demand.

As for radiation-contaminated ferrous scrap, it is necessary that autonomous community manages and provides appropriate directions for scrap shipment.