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CircSmeltSteel validates the use of metallurgical by-products as secondary sources for low-carbon iron and steelmaking, supporting EU objectives on net-zero manufacturing, sustainability, and competitiveness. The project covers the entire steelmaking value chain, from primary and secondary metallurgy and casting to hot and cold rolling and annealing. Two low-CO₂ routes are investigated at pilot and industrial scale: the Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF) and the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Steel quality and product performance under higher tramp element levels will be assessed through mechanical testing, contributing to the EU zero-defects ambition. In line with circular economy and zero-waste goals, ESF and EAF slags will be qualified as raw materials for other industries. A skills development strategy based on Industry 5.0 principles and a dedicated digital platform will support knowledge transfer, data management, and societal readiness for low-carbon steelmaking. CircSmeltSteel promotes the large-scale use of low-quality by-products to enable a resource-efficient and competitive green steel industry.
