All eyes are on the world’s first Coldry and Matmor plant that will
be set up in Tamil Nadu as a result of a landmark pact signed between the
largest iron ore miner in India- NMDC, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, India and
Australia owned Environmental Clean Technologies Ltd (ECT). Touted as the
largest research and development (R&D) alliance between Australian and
Indian companies, the integrated plant will facilitate a low emission iron and
steel process.
Uses Low Rank Non Coking -Coal
The technologies developed by Australia boast of noteworthy
attributes that can prove to be a game changer. Coldry, which is used to
de-water low-rank coal, could usher in a new era for Indian industries as the
country has large reserves of low-rank coal. Additionally, the technology also
boasts of the ability to create an energy-intense fuel. This fuel can be used
further in the lowest value instance power generation. The power generated thus
is much more efficient. Without a doubt, Coldry technology holds immense
potential to change the face of Indian industry. What makes it truly
path breaking, however, is the fact that it is both economically viable but
most importantly, environment friendly. Coldry technology enjoys a major
advantage over traditional technologies because the former does not produce any
CO2 emissions as opposed to the latter.
Lower CO2 Emission
On the other hand, Matmor is the world’s first and sole primary
iron making technology that is lignite based. Lignite is the lowest ranking
coal and the introduction of Matmor is a step in the right direction since
India has vast reserves of lignite owned by NLC India Limited. Contrary to the
traditional furnace route, Matmor has an efficient furnace design and chemical
pathway that make lower operating temperatures and shorter process times a
possibility as well. The technology converts low grade iron ores into crude
steel of high value at a much lower cost. Just like Coldry, Matmor is
significantly more environment friendly as the CO2 generated per tonne of steel
is dramatically reduced.
The technologies have been introduced with the objective of
producing low emission iron and steel at a lower cost. Besides, they reduce
wastage dramatically by making use of waste or lower grade iron-ore or low rank
coal resources and India is home to the said low grade resources.
Is it the Next Big Thing?
Glenn Fozard, Chairman ECT spoke of the technology in high terms,“Matmor represents the most significant
departure from primary iron making since the advent of coke-based smelting in
1709. By utilizing a predominantly hydrogen-based pathway, Matmor enables the
use of abundant, lower cost alternative raw materials and lower CO2 intensity.”
He added that Matmor is poised to revolutionize primary iron making. He also
said that the technology has the potential to address “real-world issues faced
by India as it strives to mitigate emissions intensity in the face of ambitious
growth targets”.
As per NICIL, the project will involve two phases. The first phase
will entail R&D worth AUD 35 million. Funded by the Indian conglomerates in
question, this phase will seek to augment the technologies in order to deliver
an integrated pilot plant with an enormous capacity of two tonnes of metal per
hour (approx). When the outcomes of the first phase prove fruitful, phase two
will kick off. This will include commercial expansion followed by a thorough
market assessment to gauge the opportunities for commercial expansion at the
global level.
As of now, the two technologies seem quite promising, given that
the environment and the steel industry have not been able to complement one
another so far. Iron and coal industries have been emitting more CO2 than
permitted, leaving significant amounts of carbon footprints around the globe.
Against such a backdrop, could Coldry & Matmor prove to be a global
trendsetter?
Know More about This Technology at SteelVia- Global Steel
Innovations Forum
If Coldry and Matmor technologies have piqued your curiosity too,
you will be pleased to learn that the compelling technologies will be discussed
at Global Steel Innovations Forum, a platform for showcasing and discussing
cutting edge and disruptive technologies. For more information, visit http://www.steelvia.com/
This technology will be presented by Mr Ashley Moore, MD, ECT
(Australia) and Ms Aditi Tarafdar, HOD (MN Dastur)
Video Link http://www.ectltd.com.au/financial-news-network-interview/
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/FKcZ-PjsDmY