In recent years the majority of captive DRI production units installed have been focused on charging of hot DRI/HBI to the EAF at temperatures in the range of 600 °C. The hot DRI charging practice utilizes the same basic reduction units as are used in cold DRI melting. However, the cooler unit at the bottom of the reactor allows material discharge at temperatures in excess of 600 °C. The Hot DRI can be transferred to the EAF using one of 4 methods: Pneumatic transportation, Electro-mechanical conveyor transport, Gravity feed from an elevated reactor and Transport in insulated bottles using mobile equipment. In addition to energy savings, hot charging increases productivity, improves slag foaming, and increases carbon content in the charge.

This technology is only applicable to plants with on-site production of DRI.