Some trends in metal productions and processing

This paper is concerned with identifying the trends that have emerged and which still are emerging in the metallurgical technology. An examination of the current practices will enable us to evaluate the new trends. The practical information and thermodynamic analysis will enable us to predict future emerging directions in technology development. The principal avenues in the development of production of both ferrous and non–ferrous metals include smelting reduction, near–net–shape casting integrated with rolling, and implementation of continuous processes. The production and refining of molten metals will be carried out at the sequence of interconnected sealed reactors, fed by fine concentrates, coal and fluxes, and oxygen, air, inert gases, and electricity. It is expected that new developments in metallurgical technology will improve production and aid the industry's environmental conservation efforts.