The processes for direct and smelting-reduction of iron ores have, compared to the blast furnace, the advantage of being independent from coke. They will gain importance for mini mills based on the EAF steelmaking route. DRI capacity and production have steadily increased worldwide over the past three decades. DRI production in 2002 was 45 Mt and utilization of installed capacities reached 97%. A further increase in capacity and production is expected. The only smelting-reduction process under industrial application is the Corex process. The four operated plants in the world have in 2002 produced 2.66 Mt hot metal.