Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2004
Belgo-Mineira, Arcelor Group, has at Monlevade Works one sinterplant with 120 m2 of strand area and its own iron ore mine (Andrade mine). Aiming to increase sinter production combined with the use of 100% of its own iron ore, the Hybrid Pelletized Sinter (HPS) process, developed by JFE (former NKK), was chosen among other alternatives. The HPS process started up at Monlevade Works in December 2002 and since January 2003 100% of Andrade iron ore has been used at the sinterplant. The contractual sinterplant productivity target (42 t/m2.24h) has been achieved.