POSCO and Hyundai Steel Collaborate with Yeosu Bio on Shell Recycling Solutions
Utilizing Shells as Limestone Substitute in Sintering Process
Promoting ESG Management Across Steelmaking Processes
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The domestic steel industry has transformed 'paegak,' the shells of oysters and clams, into a by-material for steelmaking processes.
POSCO and Hyundai Steel announced on the 16th that they will utilize paegak as a steelmaking by-material after obtaining approval for the environmental assessment of paegak recycling from the National Institute of Environmental Research.
Both companies focused on the fact that the components of paegak are similar to those of limestone used in the 'sintering process' and have jointly researched ways to replace limestone with paegak in collaboration with Yeosu Bio, a paegak processing specialist company in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. The sintering process is a step that processes powdered iron ore into sinter ore (iron ore of a certain size) suitable for blast furnace input, where limestone plays a role in forming the shape and adjusting the components of the sinter ore.
Paegak is generated nationwide at about 300,000 to 350,000 tons annually. Until now, due to limited utilization, it has been left in fishing villages and identified as a cause of environmental pollution such as wastewater, dust, and odor.
By recycling paegak in the steelmaking process, the steel industry can not only solve local environmental issues but also achieve resource savings and economic benefits by using limestone substitutes, resulting in a triple effect. If approximately 920,000 tons of discarded paegak are used in the steelmaking process, it is expected to reduce about 410,000 tons of carbon dioxide, an effect comparable to planting about 300 million pine trees.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has also taken active support measures. In July, the ministry enacted the 'Act on the Promotion of Recycling of Fishery By-products' to environmentally treat and promote recycling of fishery by-products and established standards to facilitate the recycling of paegak waste. Furthermore, through the establishment of a five-year basic plan focusing on improving industrial economic feasibility and protecting coastal environments, systematic support for systems, R&D, and infrastructure will be provided.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Steel has also completed the development of technology to manufacture quicklime by mixing paegak and limestone by-products. This quicklime can be used as a by-material to control impurities in the steelmaking plant, maximizing the utilization range and value of paegak. Through this, Hyundai Steel expects to practice ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management throughout the entire steelmaking process from ironmaking to steelmaking.
POSCO and Hyundai Steel plan to actively promote ESG management through the virtuous cycle of waste resources by closely collaborating not only with paegak suppliers but also with local governments in paegak-producing areas in the future.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
