Commentary Jun 2021

Perseverance and Teamwork – The Hallmarks of Success

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Chris HayesVice President – Operations

Articles by Chris
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Despite the unprecedented challenges of the last 18 months - not to mention the normal rigors of working outdoors in all types of climates and weather - the men and women who build, start-up, and commission, and operate MIDREX® Plants have persevered. For example, Tosyali Algérie set a new world record for direct reduced iron (DRI) production in only the second year of operation, and the plants of Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS) and Cleveland-Cliffs Toldedo HBI were completed and put into operation.

In 2020, 69 MIDREX Plants comprised of 77 modules* were in operation in 21 countries around the world producing cold DRI (CDRI), hot DRI (HDRI), hot briquetted iron (HBI), or a combination of the DRI forms. Except for those idled by non-process factors, 99% of all MIDREX Modules ever constructed are capable of operating today.

Plants based on MIDREX Technology each year produce more than 60% of the entire world’s supply of DRI and more than 80% of DRI produced by shaft furnace technologies. We expect similar results when the World Direct Reduction Statistics for 2020 are published later this year.

We are very proud of the reputation for reliability, flexibility, and performance that has been earned by MIDREX DR Technology. It is a reputation that reflects our core values:

  • Integrity – Act honestly and fairly for the good of all
  • Commitment – Be dedicated to the success of customers, the well- being of teammates, and the growth of Midrex
  • Teamwork – Be actively engaged, respect and trust others, accept responsibility, learn from mistakes, and share credit for achievements
  • Quality – Do your best in every situation and produce a quality of work that sets a high standard for the Industry
  • Innovation – Be a pioneer in the Industry and think creatively toward our future

More than 50 years ago a creative idea for making use of existing knowledge and expertise in an exciting new way launched the MIDREX Process. Through the years, hundreds of Midrex men and women have built upon that innovative spark to mold a culture of cooperation, progress, and caring for others that inspires all we do. Together with our construction and equipment partners, corporate customers, and the direct reduction industry’s best and brightest plant operators we will continue to strive for excellence in delivering sustainable solutions for our customers and furthering the effort to decarbonize steelmaking.

I would be remiss to not mention the outstanding efforts of all Midrex Group teammates in achieving ISO 9001:2015 recertification. This year Midrex Technologies Gulf Services FZCO and the Midrex Research & Development Technology Center were added to the Midrex ISO certification first achieved in 1998. Midrex Technologies India Private, Ltd. and Midrex UK Ltd. were originally registered under ISO 9001:2008 and were recently recertified.

As Midrex President & CEO Stephen Montague said in his recently published interviews in Metal Market Magazine and Business Focus Magazine, “It’s all about people.”

*A MIDREX Plant can include one or more modules

 

In addition to an article that summarizes the operation and achievements of MIDREX Plants in 2020, this issue of “Direct From Midrex'” includes an in-depth article that discusses the benefits and challenges of melting hydrogen-based DRI. In addition, the News & Views section contains noteworthy Midrex-related events occurring during 2Q2021.

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