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Iron ore and steel production trends and material flows in the world: Is this really sustainable?

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  • Yellishetty, Mohan
  • Ranjith, P.G.
  • Tharumarajah, A.

Abstract

Material flow analysis is an analysis of the flow of a material into and out of a particular region. The flow analysis also includes estimation of energy expended and of environmental emissions at each stage of the material life cycle, i.e. from extraction, processing, consumption and recycling to disposal. This analysis informs resource policy, energy planning, environmental and waste management. This paper reports on a historical material flow analysis of the world iron ore and steel industry in which the material flow of iron ore and of crude steel products are quantified for the period from 1950 to 2005. On the basis of this analysis, the future production of iron and steel for the world is estimated. The historical analysis shows that the world iron ore production increased from 274 million tons (Mt) in 1950 to 1554Mt in 2005, whereas the steel production increased from 207 to 1259Mt. In addition, it is found that at the current level of production the world's identified iron ore reserves containing 230 billion tons of iron would last for nearly 50 years. Global CO2 emissions from steel production from the different manufacturing routes are estimated to be 3169Mt from approximately 1781Mt of steel production by 2020, whereas the specific energy consumption is estimated to be 14.43GJ/tcs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yellishetty, Mohan & Ranjith, P.G. & Tharumarajah, A., 2010. "Iron ore and steel production trends and material flows in the world: Is this really sustainable?," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(12), pages 1084-1094.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:54:y:2010:i:12:p:1084-1094
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.03.003
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