Mining Magazine > Panorama > New steel making process verified for Astra Mining

Astra Mining, an Australian diversified mining company, has received an independent expert opinion from Hungary’s University of Miskolc confirming the potential of its revolutionary new steel manufacturing process.

Astra claims that the end product, T-Steel, is significantly stronger than regular steel and provides vast production, operational and environmental benefits. The company has taken the opportunity with the devolution of the Eastern bloc countries to acquire the technology and roll it out globally.

Astra Mining CEO, Dr. Jaydeep Biswas, said the independent verification of the steel’s unique properties comes from one of the University of Miskolc’s leading metallurgical engineers, Professor Emeritus Dr. Farkas Otto.

“This expert opinion on a study into the preparation of the production of T-Steel confirms it has better qualities compared to traditional steels,” said Dr. Biswas.

“It also confirms the CO2 emission in its manufacture can be up to two times less than with traditional steel making technologies, reducing a manufacturing plants carbon footprint which is highly beneficial to the environment.

“Astra has a substantial 30 percent ownership of T-Steel’s IP and has full operational and management control of its business, so we are very excited to receive this independent verification.”

The basic product, which includes the use of unique alloy based formulas invented over a 30 year period in Hungary, is based on a process which can modify the metallurgical properties of steel at a molecular level.

“T-Steel can be produced by existing steel mills with little or no retrofitting needed, however this can only be done if the mills have access to the T-Steel technology and the correct steel plant operation conditions,” said Dr. Biswas.

“Astra is in negotiations for a long term co-operation agreement with one the world’s largest steel traders for the DAM Steel Works in Hungary which will produce 500,000t/yr of T-Steel annually. The acquisition of DAM Steel plant is not a pre-requisite for rollout for the T-Steel technology; it is one part of a comprehensive business plan.

“This strategic relationship would position Astra ideally to capitalise on its strategic growth plan and market T-Steel products worldwide.”

Astra Mining’s global portfolio includes gold and tin interests in south east Asia and southern India, coal mines in Australia and iron ore in India. Astra has also announced plans to list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the coming months.