3. Mineral agglomerations

In this section, we will confine ourselves to the agglomeration of ores on a grid. Another technology, pellet agglomeration, does exist, but it is not used in France or in most European steelworks.

The environmental problems associated with agglomeration chains mainly concern air pollution (dust and gaseous pollutants) and noise. Water pollution risks are limited. There are no waste problems either: dust is recycled and desulphurization by-products can be reused.

When it comes to air pollution, there are two common types of flue gas circuit:

• firing fumes (main circuit), corresponding to the air drawn through the charge on the sintering line and having reacted with the solid fuel mixed with the ore;

• ambient or local fumes (secondary circuit) emitted during handling,...