Belgo-Mineira, Arcelor Group, has at Monlevade Works one sinterplant with
120 m2 of strand area and its own iron ore mine (Andrade mine). Aiming to increase
sinter production combined with the use of 100% of its own iron ore, the Hybrid
Pelletized Sinter (HPS) process, developed by JFE (former NKK), was chosen among
other alternatives. The HPS process started up at Monlevade Works in December
2002 and since January 2003 100% of Andrade iron ore has been used at the
sinterplant. The contractual sinterplant productivity target (42 t/m2.24h)
has been achieved.