The Sirosmelt top submerged lancing system has many applications in the smelting of base metal and complex materials. It has particular advantages for smaller scale smelting and the treatment of recycle materials in smelters where its low capital and operating costs and its operational flexibility are of immediate benefit._x000D_
The system can be fueled by oil, gas or coal, as well as by mixtures of fuels. For many applications, the use of coal as a fuel has operating cost advantages over oil and gas, but conventional pulverised coal feeding systems entail very large capital expenditure and this militates against the use of coal. The methods available for improving on conventional technology for coal firing of Sirosmelt systems are discussed and operating experience with alternative systems are outlined. The use of coal as a reductant in the Sirosmelt system is also discussed.