26 Feb Stillmetal project
Stillmetal project co-financed by EIT RAW MATERIALS under KAVA9 call for grants
Partner: OPIGEO SRL, ZEROCENTO SRL, ITALGHISA SRL, University of Padua, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute.
EU funding: 1.076.884€ (2022-2024).
In 2023, Europe produced 152.6 million tons of steel, with a significant portion derived from the Electronic Arc Furnace (EAF) route. Globally, around 32.9% of steel output consists of slags, non-metallic by-products with varying chemical compositions depending on production methods.
Among these, ladle steel slag, presents specific challenges due to its high reactivity with water and humidity, limiting its reuse and leading to frequent landfilling.
Despite its complex composition, ladle slag retains valuable elemental and energetic potential, making its valorization essential for sustainable resource management.
STILLMETAL (acronym for “SusTaInable sLag process to obtain a valuabLe METAL”) is a collaborative project between Opigeo, Itlaghisa, Zerocento and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) RawMaterials. The initiative focuses on slag valorization, aiming to transform steelmaking by-products into valuable materials.
Thermodynamic modelling enables precise control over reaction pathways and product composition, optimizing the process for industrial applications.
The work demonstrates the potential of ladle slag to be converted into valuable resources. The proposed approach reduces environmental impact while supporting circular economy principles, contributing to the steel industry’s sustainability objectives.
1st Prototype plant installed in Acciaierie Venete (PD).
