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Despite research into multiple alternative technologies, the traditional Waelz Kiln is the most economically viable processing method for deriving valuable zinc oxides from steel mill waste.
Currently, mini-mills using the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) method to melt scrap steel generate more millions tons of steel mill dust annually. Classified as a hazardous substance, most of this steel dust can be recycled to obtain zinc oxides used as a raw material for the world’s zinc smelters.