This work examines the possibility of incorporating borate-containing materials in order to improve the granule strength and reduce the copper losses to slag. A phase diagram of the Fe-S-Cu system was constructed, and a mathematical model with a numerical calculation program were created. Using complete thermodynamic modeling, the influence of the boric anhydride and borate ore on the pelletizing, drying, roasting, and matte production was analyzed. B2O3 enhanced the wet granule strength by forming crystalline hydrates (H2O∙B2O3), which dehydrated at 285 K and melted at 723 K, creating a strong sinter upon cooling. During smelting, boron-containing materials increased process efficiency and they decreased matte losses, creating low-melting, mobile slags. Additionally, borate ore containing montmorillonite ensured sufficient wet granule strength for transport, and its low-melting nature led to liquid phase formation during firing, producing a strong sinter upon cooling.

This paper presents the results of a study on the utilization of chromium-containing waste in the production of mineral wool based on natural basalt. It was shown that a mixture of low-dolomite chromate sludge and low-carbon ferrochrome slag in a 1:1 ratio is compositionally close to dolomite. When dolomite is equivalently replaced in the mineral wool batch, the physicochemical characteristics of the melt remain suitable for mineral wool production. The complete reduction of iron and chromium oxides is achieved in the presence of carbon, resulting in their transfer to the metallic phase, where iron and chromium cations are present in the form of carbides. Due to the cost difference between chromium waste and dolomite, implementing the proposed technology makes it possible to significantly improve the efficiency of chromium waste utilization by reducing the production cost of mineral wool. The Aktobe region has all the prerequisites for implementing the developed technology, with active sources of chromium-containing waste pollution (ACCP, AFP) and basalt deposits, as well as the operational experience of the mineral-wool-manufacturing enterprise Basalt-A LLP.

Under conditions of converter shop of JSC “ArcelorMittal Temirtau”, the authors have developed and implemented the direct microalloying technol