Economic And Environmental Benefits Of Direct Reduction Steelmaking Slag Utilization In Nigeria'S Aggregates Industry
Olufemi Adeyemi Ojo
Department of Geology, Niger Delta University, Nigeria
Ngozi Chukwudi Okonkwo
Department of Geology, Niger Delta University, Nigeria
Abstract
The Delta Steel Company (DSC) test steel slag, produced through the direct reduction electric arc steelmaking technology process, presents a potential solution to address Nigeria's heavy reliance on natural aggregates for construction, building, and transportation industries. The slag, composed of lime sourced from Mfamosing limestone in Calabar, Nigeria, direct reduced iron from low phosphorus iron ore in Liberia, and scrap iron, had been stored in the company's slag dump site for an extended period, leading to environmental concerns for both the company and the community. Despite Nigeria's abundant natural aggregates, the country's dependence on these resources persists due to a lack of research knowledge regarding the utilization of solid industrial by-products like blast furnace and steelmaking slags. While previous research has explored the properties of steelmaking slags, their historical use as aggregates in construction, transportation, and building industries has been well-documented, highlighting potential issues related to unsoundness stemming from hydratable oxides, particularly lime and magnesia. This study aims to assess the viability of incorporating the test slag into Nigeria's aggregate industry, offering a sustainable alternative to conserve natural resources. By investigating the physical and mechanical properties of the test slag, the research seeks to determine its potential contribution to the country's aggregate sector. This effort aligns with the broader goal of reducing the country's dependency on natural aggregates and exploring the beneficial reuse of industrial by-products, such as steel slags, in support of environmental sustainability and resource conservation