Research and Development

Research and development is a crucial aspect of both the Association and the iron and steel slag industry generally. The commitment to undertake such research and development projects stems from the industry’s general pursuit to reduce existing knowledge gaps in user and communities in order to better promote the full utilisation of these products.

The following represents on-going research and development projects undertaken by the Association in regards to the nature and properties of iron and steel slags

ASA Environmental Monitoring Program

Commencing in 2005, this annual EMP was established in response to recommendations from the “Material Classification of Iron and Steel Slag By-product Waste Classification Investigation Report 2004”. Key recommendation being to; establish an annual EMP to increase industry understanding about environmental performance of ISS products generated, processed and sold by members.

The ASA annually undertakes an Environmental Monitoring Program to monitor and assess the iron and steel slags (ISS) produced, processed and sold by its members. The program involves testing slag samples from member sites for their total metal (TM) concentrations and where necessary, undertaking toxicity characteristic leaching procedures (TCLP) on the samples required and comparing the results against jurisdictional government regulations.

A final report discussing the results and implications of these tests is produced by the Association at the conclusion of each program and is available for download by clicking on the relevant document. All files are made available in PDF format.

NORMS Testing

To assess the concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) present in iron and steel slags, the Association has undertaken a NORM study of samples taken from member sites across Australia. The results of the study have been compiled and analysed by the Association, available for download by clicking on the relevant document. All files are made available in PDF format.

NORMS Testing: Assessment of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides in Australian Iron and Steel Slags - 2010

  • Introduction
  • Sampling Collection and Data Treatment
  • Analysis by ANSTO Minerals
  • Discussion of Results
  • Appendix