Direct reduction process using fines and with reduced CO2 emission

A direct reduction process for refractory oxides and a life cycle analysis comparison with conventional pelletising and sintering process for chargechrome are presented. The new route has potential to reduce the environmental impact of the ferroalloy industry and to extend the use of nonrenewable resources by utilising waste that is not economically recoverable by conventional technologies; increasing metal recoveries; significantly reducing CO 2 emissions; reducing or eliminating the use of coke; and reducing electricity consumption during smelting.