Today, the recycling of scrap steel is of great importance, thereby reducing the extraction of crude steel, preserving natural sources and thus protecting the environment. Approximately 40% of the steel produced in Europe comes from steel scrap recycled through the electric arc furnace process (EAF process). The gases emitted during the process are treated and cleaned, collecting 15 to 20 kg of dust per ton of steel produced. Of the annual production in Europe of EAF powder thus obtained, which contains zinc, approximately 70% is recycled in the Waelz process. The SDHL Waelz process, – patented -, is the result of continuous improvement carried out within the organization, through innovation and optimization of the classic Waelz process. Especially in food preparation, recovery rates and optimization of energy consumption. The recycling processes carried out at Befesa Steel Dust Recycling Services are considered the best available technologies (“Best Available -Technique” (BAT)), as stated in the reference BREF “Reference Document on Best Available Techniques in the Non-Ferrous Metals Industries ”, developed at the request of the European Commission. In addition, this process has important environmental benefits, since on the one hand the discharge of this type of dust is avoided and on the other hand, the amount of primary zinc extracted from mining is reduced. Thanks to the Befesa Steel Dust Recycling Services activity, more than 650 thousand tons of raw EAF dust, stainless steel dust and other types of zinc-containing waste are recycled per year. Since 2012, Befesa Steel Dust Recycling Services has operated a washing plant in northern France, which further improves the quality of the Waelz oxide.
