The 9th International Refractory Materials Academic Conference (ISR2024), jointly hosted by the Chinese Society of Metals, the Chinese Society of Ceramics, and China Steel Luoyang, was successfully held in Chengdu from October 15th to 18th. Nearly 600 experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and technicians in the field of refractory materials from around the world, including China, the United States, Austria, Japan, Germany, France, Russia, Malaysia, Canada, the Czech Republic, South Korea, the Netherlands, India, Norway, and others, attended the conference, which opened a high-level international academic feast. Wang Zhanmin and Wang Wenwu, Vice General Managers of China Steel Lona, and Li Hongxia, Chief Scientist of China Steel Lona, attended the conference.

At the opening ceremony, Li Hongxia, President of ISR2024 Conference, Chief Scientist of Sinosteel Luonai and Director of Advanced Refractory State Key Laboratory, and Wang Xinjiang, Vice President and Secretary General of the Chinese Society of Metals, delivered warm welcome speeches one after another. Focusing on the theme of the conference - "Low carbon, green, high-quality refractory materials", Li Hongxia pointed out that this theme aims to actively respond to the global call for sustainable development, help the refractory material industry better cope with the current dual carbon challenges, promote in-depth communication and cooperation among domestic and foreign peers, suppliers and customers, and jointly contribute to the development of China and even the world's high-temperature industry.

At the symposium, Academician Mao Xinping from Beijing University of Science and Technology deeply analyzed the high-quality application of recycled steel materials with the goal of carbon neutrality. Academician Dong Shaoming from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Silicate shared the research progress of ceramic matrix composites in extreme environments. Li Hongxia from the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Refractories revealed the opportunities and challenges facing refractories from the perspective of low-carbon and green development. Dana Goski, the vice president of mineral research and development, told about cross industry collaboration and the unremitting exploration of transforming challenges into opportunities. Wang Zhanmin, the deputy general manager of Sinosteel Luonai Science and Technology Co., Ltd., described the development status of high-performance refractories for steel. Experts, scholars, and technical personnel in the field of refractory materials from all over the country have given a total of 119 wonderful and rich academic reports on the low-carbon development path of the high-temperature industry and refractory material industry, innovative applications of refractory raw materials, specific needs of the steel industry for refractory materials, production, testing, evaluation of refractory materials, and the latest breakthroughs in construction methods and technical equipment. The attending guests and speakers actively exchanged ideas, which not only stimulated thinking but also enhanced their in-depth understanding and outlook on the new trends of the industry's future development.

At the same time as the conference, a refractory materials exhibition was held, showcasing the latest products and technologies, raw materials and accessories, production processing and construction equipment, inspection and analysis instruments, advanced kiln technology and equipment, as well as energy-saving and environmental protection technology solutions from nearly 70 enterprises in the field of refractory materials. It attracted industry elites, experts and scholars from around the world to have in-depth exchanges and negotiate cooperation.

Since the first ISR conference was held in 1988, the event has been held every four years in principle. ISR2024 is an internationally influential industry event organized by China Steel Lona since entering a new development path. It provides a valuable communication platform for refractory researchers, manufacturers, suppliers, and users, while showcasing the technical heritage and brand strength of China's refractory industry, especially China Steel Lona as the organizer, to the world. It greatly enhances the global market visibility of Chinese refractory enterprises represented by China Steel Lona, promotes interaction between China and international high-level refractory enterprises and related industries, and demonstrates China Steel Lona's mission as a state-owned enterprise. Sinosteel Luonai will never forget its original intention, keep in mind its mission, and work hard in the refractory materials industry in China and even internationally, constantly forging a more shining "Luonai" brand.