Japan: JFE Steel develops new technology for managing iron ore stockpiles

Japan's second-largest steel producer, JFE Steel, has developed a 'Stockpile Layout Planner' in view of optimising yard operations by creating ideal plans for up to several months with an algorithm that completes complicated logistical calculations in less than one minute, as per latest reports.

The steel major has developed an algorithm-based system for the highly efficient management of multiple stockpiles of iron ore in the yards (storehouses) of steelworks to significantly optimise both yard logistics and highly stable ore management.

The system draws on extensive stockpile layout options for each day's operations, in principle minimising the required number of stockpiles but also incorporating, as required, multiple decentralised stockpiles for ores that entail high-frequency blending operations that could greatly impact overall efficiency.

The new system ensures that such logistics are handled efficiently to support highly stable ore management.

Implementation in stages

The company has already introduced the new system at its Fukuyama facility at the West Japan Works. Next, JFE will introduce the system to handle raw coal at Fukuyama as well as various other raw materials at additional facilities.

Growing deployment of the system will support JFE Steel's broader effort to optimise raw material acquisition and overall management throughout its total operations.

Focused on creating specialty steel products, the company's consolidated crude steel output stood at 23.96 mn t in FY'21.