Into The Fire

This article takes a look at the refractories industry as it attempts to ride out the storm as the steel market shows tentative signs of recovery, with China and India first in the queue. Like most industries, the refractories market can hardly believe its turnaround in fortunes within just a single year. Richard Flook, MD of Shinagawa Refractories Australasia got the tone just right in a recent presentation entitled: "Refractories: Between a Rock and a Hot Place," which was given at IM's 8th Chinese Industrial Minerals Conference, 7-9 September. The article also takes a look at the industries which drive the refractories market such as steel, glass, cement and non-ferrous metals, ceramics and lime industries.