Recently, the results of the 2023 Metallurgical Science and Technology Award were officially announced, with the "Research and Application of Layered Heating Low-Carbon Hydrogen-Rich Sintering Technology" led CIE awarded the First Prize. Established by China Iron and Steel Association and China Society for Metals in 2000, the Metallurgical Science and Technology Award is the highest science and technology award in China's metallurgical industry, and the first prize is awarded to those who have made breakthrough progress in scientific research in their cutting-edge projects that are widely recognized and referenced by the academic community and that are conducive to the development of the respective discipline or related disciplines, as well as economic development and social progress.

By applying this new sintering technology, the sintering project of Zhongtian Iron & Steel achieved a 13.5% reduction in carbon source amount, a 14.8% reduction in carbon emissions, and a 31.7% reduction in NOx emissions. Those achievements signify a shift towards low-carbon energy consumption, homogenization of roasting, high-quality product formation, and clean production in the sintering process. The application of this technology represents a remarkable milestone in green transformation, energy conservation, and carbon reduction in the sintering field of the iron and steel industry and has delivered remarkable economic, environmental, and social benefits.