China unveils new iron-making technology that boosts productivity by 3,600 times

China has developed a new iron-making technology that increases productivity by 3,600 times. This method, which takes just three to six seconds to produce high-purity iron, uses finely ground iron ore powder in a hot furnace, creating a continuous flow of liquid iron. The new process is efficient with low or medium-yield ores, reducing China's reliance on high-yield imports. It could improve energy efficiency in the steel industry by over one-third and eliminate the need for coal, aiding carbon reduction efforts. Zhang Wenhai's team has created a vortex lance that injects iron ore at high rates, allowing for significant annual production. This technology, patented in 2013, has successfully passed laboratory and pilot tests, with a high success rate for new technologies in China.