Kogi Iron Ltd (ASX:KFE) has completed a test work program confirming a processing flowsheet for the production of cast steel from its Agbaja iron ore project in Nigeria.
This is a major milestone for Kogi as this flowsheet and test work are critical parts of its engineering and definitive feasibility study (DFS).
The pilot smelting test work successfully demonstrated that it is feasible to process beneficiated Agbaja iron ore in an electric arc furnace to produce a cast steel product.
READ: Kogi Iron plans to become Nigeria’s first domestically-sourced producing steel company and could generate billions of dollars’ worth of business
Kogi aims to become a producer of cast steel products by developing its 100% owned Agbaja Project in the Kogi State within the Republic of Nigeria.
Nigeria has substantial domestic demand for steel production, which is largely met through imports.
The Agbaja project opens the opportunity for domestic production of steel billets.
Cast steel generated for marketing purposes
Mintek was contracted to perform smelting and refining test work on a pilot scale.
The primary objectives of the test work were:
• Demonstrate the technical feasibility of smelting beneficiated Agbaja iron ore in a pilot scale electric arc furnace to produce a crude pig iron;
• Generate enough process information to assist with design and construction of the process on a commercial scale;
• Demonstrate refining of the pig iron to produce a cast steel suitable for billet steel making; and
• Generate 50 kilograms of ‘on-spec’ cast steel for marketing purposes.