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Editor's Note
Dear Readers,
The April newsletter of the Iron & Steel Review presents an engaging interview with Christoph Aichinger, Head of Agglomeration Technologies at Primetals Technologies. As the global steel industry faces the dual challenges of decarbonisation and resource efficiency amidst rising demand, agglomeration technologies — specifically sintering and pelletising — are becoming increasingly vital in modern ironmaking. Aichinger shares valuable insights from his extensive three-decade career in the iron and steel sector, where he has been instrumental in advancing agglomeration solutions on a global scale. The newsletter also provides a sketch of India’s steel market during the month of March 2026.
In national developments, SAIL has achieved a significant milestone by supplying high-grade steel plates for the INS Taragiri. This endeavour underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. On the international front, Utva Silosi AD Kovin has taken a pivotal step by placing an order for a new ERW tube production line from Danieli.
Be sure to check out the April newsletter for a comprehensive overview of these important developments! Santosh Mahanti, Editor & CMD |
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“Pelletising is a key technology for the decarbonisation and transition of the steel industry”
The following is an edited excerpt from the interview with Christoph Aichinger, Head of Agglomeration Technologies at Primetals Technologies, featured in the April issue of Iron & Steel Review magazine. In this discussion, he reflects on his professional journey in the iron and steel industry since the mid-1990s, tracing his early exposure to large-scale projects right up to his leadership in agglomeration technologies. Aichinger also shares his perspective on the evolving trends of pelletising and their influence on plant operations.
Can you provide an overview of your journey in the iron and steel industry since you began your career in 1995? What motivated you to specialise in agglomeration technologies?
I began my career on a large scale project, the COREX–MIDREX Combi Plant at Saldanha Steel in South Africa, where I spent three years on site providing advisory support during erection and commissioning, and later managing site activities. This experience allowed me to witness every step of our business first hand and gave me invaluable practical insight. I was responsible for the waste granulation plant—which also marked my first encounter with agglomeration technology.
After several years as a technical sales manager and an assignment as assistant to the Board, I was given the opportunity in 2007 to take over the sinter group, which at that time was a small but highly dedicated team. I was fully committed to revitalising the agglomeration business and establishing it as a strong, valuable, and profitable element of our portfolio. I clearly saw the substantial growth potential in sintering and pelletising and was eager to drive this development forward.
It has been an exciting journey ever since. Today, I head the entire agglomeration department and hold global business responsibility for our portfolio. Looking back, we have accomplished a great deal—and I can honestly say that I still love my job.
What trends do you foresee shaping the future of pelletising in the iron and steel industry? How will these trends impact the design and operation of pelletising plants?
Pelletising is a key technology in the steel industry’s transition, as it provides the primary raw-material feed for modern direct?reduction shaft processes. According to Wood Mackenzie, a global shortage of around 60 MT/year of DR-grade pellets is expected, while demand in the MENA region alone is projected to rise to 100 MT/year. At the same time, we also observe growing pellet demand for the conventional blast-furnace route, particularly in India.
Mining operations worldwide are increasingly required to process lower-grade iron ores in order to upgrade Fe content. As beneficiation becomes more intensive, particle sizes decrease, creating a strong need to process ultra-fine iron-ore concentrates in agglomeration plants. Pelletising is the primary route for handling these concentrates, but as a technology supplier we must also address this challenge within the sintering process.
In terms of plant scale, there is a clear global trend toward higher production capacities—6 MT/year and above—as demonstrated by the two 816 m2 pellet plants we are supplying to a private customer in India. At the same time, environmental compatibility and energy efficiency are becoming decisive factors for agglomeration plants worldwide. For us, this means that environmental solutions must be flexible and tailored to the emission limits of each country. They also need to be fully integrated into the overall plant concept rather than treated as end-of-pipe solutions.
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Indian Steel Industry Sees Mixed Performance in March 2026
In the latest report on the Indian steel sector, the production figures for March 2026 reveal a blend of growth and decline across various categories.
Crude steel production reached 14.537 Million Tonnes (MT) in March 2026, marking a remarkable growth of 3.8% compared to March 2025 and a steady increase of 3.6% from February 2026. This upward trend indicates a resilient pace in the sector amidst fluctuating market conditions. Conversely, pig iron production faced a setback, totalling 0.698 MT in March 2026, down by 3.4% from March 2025. However, it saw a slight rebound, with a 2.9% increase over February 2026, indicating some recovery potential.
On a positive note, the production of hot metal surged to 8.498 MT in March 2026, reflecting a significant growth of 2.8% compared to the previous year and a 11.5% rise from February 2026. Finished steel production stood at 13.922 MT in March 2026, which represents a modest growth of 1.2% from March 2025 and an increase of 4.0% from February 2026.
However, the import figures tell a different story. The import of finished steel fell to 0.521 MT in March 2026, experiencing a notable decline of 9.5% from March 2025 and a 7.5% drop compared to February 2026. On the export front, India registered a remarkable performance, exporting 0.585 MT of finished steel in March 2026 — a growth of 29.1% year-on-year and a 9.0% increase from February 2026. This indicates India’s growing foothold in the global steel market.
Consumption of finished steel also saw a significant rise, totalling 15.704 MT in March 2026 — a growth of 10.0% from March 2025 and a robust 16.6% increase from February 2026.
In a notable turn, India has emerged as a net exporter of finished steel as of March 2026, reflecting the country’s strengthened position in the global steel supply chain. |
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SAIL Powers India’s Naval Ambitions with Indigenous Special Steel
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been instrumental in the commissioning of INS Taragiri, the fourth vessel in the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, which officially joined the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026.
Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, INS Taragiri boasts approximately 4,000 tonnes of high-grade steel plates, all supplied by SAIL. This specialised steel was produced at SAIL’s integrated steel plants in Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela, underscoring the company’s advanced metallurgical capabilities and unwavering commitment to quality.
SAIL’s contributions extend far beyond this latest achievement, as the company has been a cornerstone in India’s defence indigenisation efforts, aligning with pivotal government initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Previously, SAIL has supplied high-performance steel for critical naval assets, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the first three ships of the Project 17A class: INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, and INS Udaygiri.
The successful induction of INS Taragiri represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, highlighting the essential role that domestic steel producers play in enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities. |
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Utva Silosi AD Kovin Orders a New ERW Tube Line from Danieli
Utva Silosi AD Kovin, a leading producer of electric-resistance welded (ERW) tubes, has ordered a new ERW tube production line from Danieli.
To be installed at its site in Serbia, the new mill developed by Danieli Centro Tube will produce tubes with external diameters reaching up to 50 mm and thicknesses of up to 3 mm. The production range encompasses both structural tubes and high-precision products tailored for automotive applications. Designed for exceptional efficiency, the line will operate at speeds exceeding 160 m/min and come equipped with state-of-the-art automation systems that ensure high productivity along with consistent product quality. Notable features include continuous coil unwinding, facilitated by a double-mandrel decoiler, and strip joining that maintains seamless operation.
The tube welding process will utilise a latest-generation high-frequency welder, complemented by a dedicated welding stand. The downstream operations will include sizing stands and Turks-head type shaping and straightening units, allowing for the production of square, rectangular, and round sections.
Through this significant investment, Utva Silosi AD Kovin aims to expand its product offerings, leveraging Danieli’s proven technology to provide high-quality tubes for demanding applications.
The plant is currently in the design phase and is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2027. |
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6TH INDIAN STEEL CONFERENCE
28th May 2026
Green Steel: Powering The Low-Carbon Industrial Revolution
Conference & Exhibition at The Crown, Bhubaneswar
Website: www.isrinfomedia.com |
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