Teräsraakaaineiden

Teräsraakaaineiden, meaning "steel raw materials" in Finnish, refers to the essential components and resources required for the production of steel. These primarily include iron ore, which is the source of iron, and coke, which is a fuel and reducing agent derived from coal. Other crucial materials include limestone, used as a flux to remove impurities, and various alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, and molybdenum, which are added to impart specific properties to the final steel product.

The extraction and processing of these raw materials are significant global industries. Iron ore is mined in large quantities, often from open-pit mines, and then typically beneficiated to increase its iron content before being transported to steel mills. Coal, specifically coking coal, undergoes a process called carbonization to produce coke. Limestone is quarried and crushed. The availability, quality, and cost of these teräsraakaaineiden directly impact the economics of steel production. Fluctuations in their prices, often influenced by geopolitical factors, supply and demand dynamics, and environmental regulations, can significantly affect the global steel market. Furthermore, the sourcing of these materials often involves complex logistics and international trade.