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The influence of the intensity of blast-furnace smelting on the effectiveness of the indirect reduction of iron from wustite is considered on the basis of the Rist model, for specially prepared batch and coke of satisfactory quality. In the case of practically stable and effective reduction, broad variation in the smelting intensity in terms of oxygen is associated with acceleration of the indirect reduction, on account of increase in the concentration of reducing agents in the gas, increase in their consumption, and increase in the gas–batch contact surface. These results do not confirm the finding from the 1950s and 1960s that the dependence of the productivity and coke consumption on the smelting intensity is extremal.

The initial experience with pulverized-coal injection in two blast furnaces at OAO NLMK is analyzed. Factors affecting the pulverized-coal combustion in the tuyere are identified. The operational efficiency of the blast furnace with different pulverized-coal flow rates is discussed. Stable pulverized-coal consumption no lower than 135 kg/t has been attained at a blast furnace with a conical charging system; the corresponding furnace productivity is 70–75 t/m2 per day.

Smelting of hot metal with reduced silicon content is considered. The use of higher-basicity sinter with increased pellet content in the batch is of interest. Other options considered include the use of a gasoxygen mixer and optimization of product discharge at OAO NLMK.

Results are presented from an evaluation of the effect of the quality of the iron-ore-bearing raw materials and coke on the performance of blast furnaces at the Novolipetsk Metallurgical Combine. It is shown that the technical-economic indices of the smelting operation are improved by increasing the pellet content of the charge, the basicity of the sinter, and the sinter’s content of the ‐5 mm fraction. An analysis of the performance of the blast furnaces on coke with a hot-strength index CSR = 40‐60% confirmed the qualitative and quantitative effect of this index on furnace productivity and coke consumption. The analysis also showed that the magnitude of this effect depends on smelting rate and the basicity of the furnace slag.