El Mutun Steel Complex launches DRI plant in Bolivia

The Bolivian El Mutun Steel Complex has begun testing at its direct iron reduction (DRI) plant, which is considered the most important division of the enterprise and the last plant to enter service. The initial phase began with the ignition of gases to reduce the iron oxides present in the pellets that are supplied to the DRI plant, which led to the production of sponge iron for use in steelmaking.To be suitable for integration into a steel mill, DRI must achieve an iron concentration exceeding 92 percent, which requires temperatures reaching 1300 degrees Celsius. The test period is expected to last approximately 15 days, during which standard quality standards must be met before DRI can be delivered to the steel mill.  The El Mutun complex consists of seven plants: iron ore processing, pelletizing, direct reduction, steel production, rolled products, an electrical center and auxiliary services. The rolling mill will produce rebar and wire rod.