The Rotary Hearth Furnace (RHF) is one of the most advanced technologies for the thermal processing and reduction of mineral resources and metal recovery. It is designed to improve metal recovery, enable the processing of low-grade feed materials, minimize resource losses, and enhance the overall efficiency of industrial operations. The technology is particularly suitable for processing refractory ores, mining tailings, and secondary raw materials that are technically or economically challenging to treat using conventional methods.

Leveraging its engineering expertise, technical knowledge, and strong commitment to research and development, Sormak Mines Company has successfully designed and developed its own Rotary Hearth Furnace (RHF) technology, establishing it as one of the Company's flagship innovations in mineral processing. Through patented technology and recognition as a knowledge-based enterprise, Sormak became the first company in Iran to successfully design and implement an industrial-scale RHF system. The furnace developed by the Company features a 30-meter hearth diameter and a 5-meter-wide rotating hearth, representing the result of years of research, engineering, and technology localization.

RHF Technology

In the RHF process, the prepared feed material is blended, pelletized, and sized according to process requirements before being charged onto the rotating hearth. As the material moves along the circular path of the furnace, it is exposed to precisely controlled thermal and atmospheric conditions that promote the reduction of metal oxides and the recovery of valuable metals.

The successful operation of the RHF depends on the optimized engineering design of several integrated systems, including feed preparation, furnace temperature control, material handling, off-gas cleaning, dust collection, and process automation. Together, these systems ensure high process efficiency, reduced energy consumption, stable operation, and reliable product quality.

Applications

The Rotary Hearth Furnace is suitable for a wide range of mineral processing and metal recovery applications, including:

• Production of iron concentrate and direct reduced iron (DRI) from low-grade hematite ores
• Recovery of valuable metals from mining tailings
• Treatment of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) dust and other steelmaking residues
• Processing of secondary metal-bearing materials for resource recovery

By recovering valuable metals from low-grade and secondary resources, RHF technology not only increases the value of mineral feedstocks but also reduces waste generation, conserves natural resources, and improves the environmental sustainability of mining and metallurgical operations.

Key Advantages

• First industrial-scale Rotary Hearth Furnace (RHF) designed and implemented in Iran
• Patented technology developed by Sormak Mines Company
• Recognized as a knowledge-based technology project
• Production of iron concentrate and direct reduced iron (DRI) from low-grade hematite ores
• Recovery of valuable metals from mining tailings and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) dust
• Increased metal recovery and reduced mineral resource losses
• Lower energy consumption through optimized reduction technology
• Advanced process automation, dust collection, and off-gas treatment systems
• Improved environmental performance and enhanced economic efficiency for mining and steelmaking operations