A Review on Reclamation and Reutilization of Ironmaking and Steelmaking Slags

Ironmaking and steelmaking slags are the dominant byproducts in metallurgical processes, and the up-cycling and re-cycling of slags are essential to the sustainability of the metallurgical industry. As the metallurgical slags contain significant valuable elements, these slags can be re-utilized as a stand-alone product or as additives for other products after valuable elements are effectively separated. Several areas for slag application are discussed in this review including internal reuse of the slag within the metallurgical process, civil construction and building materials, and future potential applications. To ensure greater reclamation of the slags, fundamental studies regarding crystallization and elemental redistribution of the metal cation in the slags are also examined.