An overview of utilization of slag and sludge from steel industries

Significant quantities of sludge and slag are generated as waste material or byproduct every day from steel industries. They usually contain considerable quantities of valuable metals and materials. It is generally possible to recover some values by physical or chemical mineral processing techniques such as crushing, grinding, classification, hydrocyclone, magnetic separation, flotation, leaching or roasting. Transforming these solid wastes from one form to another to be reused either by the same production unit or by different industrial installation are very much essential not only for conserving metals and mineral resources but also for protecting the environment. This paper analyzes the characterization, beneficiation and utilization aspects of blast furnace flue dust, blast furnace sludge, LD sludge and LD slag generated at modern steel plants.