Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Reductants in the Ferromanganese Alloy Production: A Review

Abstract

This study examined the literature on life cycle assessment on the ferromanganese alloy production route. The environmental impacts of raw material acquisition through the production of carbon reductants to the production of ferromanganese alloys were examined and compared. The transition from the current fossil fuel-based production to a more sustainable production route was reviewed. Besides the environmental impact, policy and socioeconomic impacts were considered due to evaluation course of differences in the production routes. Charcoal has the potential to substantially replace fossil fuel reductants in the upcoming decades. The environmental impact from current ferromanganese alloy production can be reduced by ≥20% by the charcoal produced in slow pyrolysis kilns, which can be further reduced by ≥50% for a sustainable production in high-efficient retorts. Certificated biomass can ensure a sustainable growth to avoid deforestation and acidification of the environment. Although greenhouse gas emissions from transport are low for the ferromanganese alloy production, they may increase due to the low bulk density of charcoal and the decentralized production of biomass. However, centralized charcoal retorts can provide additional by-products or biofuel and ensure better product quality for the industrial application. Further upgrading of charcoal can finally result in a CO2 neutral ferromanganese alloy production for the renewable power supply.

Determinants of charcoal production and marketing in the Mankranso forest district in the Ashanti region of Ghana

“…However, a study in Mozambique has shed light on the flexible role of charcoal production in the livelihoods of smallholders, emphasizing the varied role of production in their livelihoods[ 14 ]. Similarly, a study in Nepal has explored the impact of improved charcoal production technology on conserving the environment and promoting sustainable livelihoods in rural areas [ [15] , [16] , [17] ]. These studies provide valuable insights into the multifaceted role of charcoal production in livelihoods and environmental conservation.…”

Metallurgical Coke Production with Biomass Additives: Study of Biocoke Properties for Blast Furnace and Submerged Arc Furnace Purposes

“…Approximately 5–10% of anthropogenic CO 2 emissions are from metallurgical production. Most of these emissions come from smelting furnaces such as BF, EAF, and SAF [ 8 ]. This is due to their reliance on metallurgical coke [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Special Issue: Biochemical and Thermochemical Conversion Processes of Lignocellulosic Biomass Fractionated Streams

“…Life cycle assessment within a circular economy can illustrate how the products can be transformed in a way to reduce greenhouse emissions. Thus, the lignocellulosic composition of biomass has a strong impact on the final thermochemical conversion product, leading to consideration of compositional differences in life cycle assessment [23]. The review article on the life cycle assessment of biochar production and utilization for metallurgical processes has been discussed from industrial perspectives.…”