Steel plants choose between iron ore pellets, sponge iron (DRI) and hot briquetted iron (HBI) to feed their furnaces. All three have high iron content but differ in process, shipping and use. BeLink Global supplies all three worldwide.
Iron Ore Pellets
Pellets are fired balls of beneficiated iron ore with 63 to 67 percent Fe. They are the primary feed for blast furnaces and direct-reduction plants, offering high strength and permeability.
Sponge Iron (DRI)
DRI is produced by reducing iron ore below melting point (90 to 94 percent metallization) and is the ideal charge for electric arc furnaces, though it is porous and prone to re-oxidation.
Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI)
HBI is densified DRI that is safer to handle and ship by sea, making it ideal for plants sourcing from distant suppliers.
Which Should You Choose?
If you run a blast furnace, choose pellets; for an electric arc furnace near the source, DRI; and for long-distance imports, HBI is the safest option. Browse all minerals or request a quote.