PRODUCTION OF PIG IRON

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25924, 3 October 1949, Page 6

PRODUCTION OF PIG IRON

—« — SUCCESSFUL TESTS AT ONEKAKA From Our Own Reporter WELLINGTON, October 2. Successful experiments in the production of pig iron at Onekaka were described by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr A. H. Nordmeyer) in an interview this evening. Mr Nordmeyer visited Onekaka on Saturday. By a process developed in Norway ironsand concentrate from Taranaki, char from the Waikato and other raw materials were smelted in an electric furnace giving “an excellent product,” Mr Nordmeyer said. Though emphasising that the establishment of an iron and steel industry in New Zealand would need the greatest consideration, Mr Nordmeyer said that the greater hydro-electric resources in the South Island would possibly mean its location there. It .was probably more economic, he said, to transport the concentrated raw material to where electricity was available than to contemplate putting a load on the North Island's power system which its resources did not seem able to bear. Previously. Mr Nordmeyer said, the presence of titanium in iron ore had created difficulties which had made smelting impossible in a blast furnace. These had been overcome in Norway where titaniferous ore, similar in content to the ironsands found in New Zealand, had been successfully smelted in an electric furnace. This piocess, used in the experimental smeltings at Onekaka, combined the ironsands, char and other raw materials. Consumption of Electricity One important aspect of the experiments was the testing of different mixtures of ingredients, to determine the consumption of electricity necessary, as the Amount required in the production of iron and steel—estimated at up to 55,000 kilowatts, the production of two generators at most of the major power stations—would make a great difference to the practicability of the industry and could even determine its location. The possibility of the State Hydro Department being able to produce such an extra quantity in the North Island was remote. said Mr Nordmeyer. and it was therefore probable that the works would, if it was decided to go on with the scheme, be located in the South where the potentialities for power were so much greater. Very great consideration would have to be given to this, but it must be remembered that many steel producing countries carried ore for long distances to smelt it and even imported the raw materials. There was also the possibility that coal giving char as suitable as that from the Waikato would be found in the South Island, and this would simplify the operation still further. “I would emphasise, however, that the matter must be carefully investigated before a final decision is possible.” Mr Nordmeyer said. The consultants at Onekaka are Professor Lemoine, of London, and Mr F. C. Collin, of Oslo. Norway. The work is in charge of officers of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, with the assistance of the Works and Railways Departments. It is thought likely that the operations will go on for another fortnight.