Valorization of iron and high value metals from dust generated during grinding of Electroslag Remelted ingots

Electroslag remelting (ESR) is a prominent steel-making technique employed to produce ultra-clean stainless-steel grades withminimal inclusions and impurities. The ingots produced via ESR undergo surface grinding to achieve the desired fine surfacequality, free from cracks and other surface imperfections. The grinding process generates dust containing various valuablemetals that can be recovered to enhance the efficiency of the production process. In the present study, dust collected from thesurface grinding of SS321 grade ingots produced by ESR was utilized to recover iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), andmolybdenum (Mo) using an Induction Furnace. Wet analysis was carried out to confirm the presence of metallic iron phase inthe grinding dust. A trial was conducted with a 65 kg charge comprising 30 kg of electrodes and 35 kg of grinding dust. Theresultant ingot was rich in Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo. Elemental mass balance calculations indicated a recovery efficiency of 88% foriron, 85% for Cr, 93.13% for Ni, and 73.1% for Mo. The process outlined demonstrates a viable method for recycling solidwaste generated during surface grinding operations in steelmaking, thereby contributing to a circular economy and sustainableresource reuse.