Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Some iron ore pellets are flux pellets and the other type is acid pellets. The former has limestone added to it and has a higher melting temperature in the blast furnace. This improves the energy usage of the blast furnace.

Acid pellets are the traditional pellets that were developed starting in the 1940s, but became available to the integrated steel industry in the mid-1950s.

Yes, absolutely. Certain customers for their blast furnaces use different types of taconite pellets at different times. I can't say what type of pellet makes a specific type of steel, that may be a question for people with a metallurgical background. And yes again to certain ports ship pellets from certain mines. From time-to-time this is posted. For example: Minntac pellets go to Duluth and Two Harbors; Keetac and Hibtac to Superior. United (Cliffs) to Duluth. Also, be aware that taconite plants make more than one type of pellet. And nowadays, iron nuggets are coming onto the scene.

I've noticed a few times lately that certain freighters will change ports of loading due to a "Change of orders." My question is, do certain customers require grades of taconite ore from certain mines? If so, are certain ports serviced by mines bringing in that type of ore? Just curious