Reduction in fossil fuel consumption by exploiting separation of refractory grade oolitic iron ores using black plum leaf litter via magnetization roasting & pelletization; a small step toward decarbonization & sustainability

Abstract

An increase in the annual energy utilization beyond 20% for the iron & steel industries promotes sustainable development through augmented clean technologies. Moreover, the consistent development of the country al-ways depends on its infrastructure growth and improved per capita consumption of steel, which leads to an increase in greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions. Therefore, pondering possible alternative technologies for low-carbon steel production while undisturbing the country's rapid growth is the need of the hour worldwide. The present research work assesses the use of Black plum leaf litters (BPLLs; solid carbonaceous biomass) as an alternative biomass reductant integrating magnetization roasting and pelletization while upgrading the low-grade refractory oolitic iron ore (OIO). The magnetite concentrate generated from oolitic iron ore (41.73% Fe (T), 14.51% SiO2, 8.61% Al2O3, and 12.36% loss on ignition (LOI; contributed mainly from clay and goethite) at 900 celcius, 45 wt% of BPLLs, and 5 min. of residence time have 64.37% Fe(T) with 65.56% yield suitable for pellet feed application. Higher volatile matter (VM:68.09%) in the BPLLs and the internal porosity of the oolitic ore stimulate the magnetization process at a lower roasting temperature. Moreover, the innovative approach of employing BPLLs in producing metallurgical grade pellets (Cold crushing strength(CCS):216.6 kg/pellet, Porosity:27.81%, RDI-2:RDI]-2.8 = 4.48%) from the OIO has the potential benefits in sustainable development and decarbonization. In this regard, more advanced characterization techniques like; X-ray microCT (X-ray microtomography), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and wet-chemical analysis were applied to evaluate the suitability of less carbon-intensive magnetite concentrate and indurated pellet production.