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IGA Zoom Lecture - Irish Iron: Smelting Irish Iron Ore in the 21st Century - By Dr Paul Rondelez

IGA Zoom Lecture - Irish Iron: Smelting Irish Iron Ore in the 21st Century - By Dr Paul Rondelez

IGA Zoom Lecture - Irish Iron: Smelting Irish Iron Ore in the 21st Century
31/05/2023 19:00
31/05/2023 20:00
Online
Online

You can reisgetr via the Google form HERE

When:
Where:
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​IGA VIRTUAL LECTURE 

Irish Iron:
Smelting Irish Iron Ore in the 21st Century

By Dr Paul Rondelez
(Consultant Metallurgical Archaeologist)

Wednesday 31st May @ 7pm via Zoom

Register via Google Form HERE

or email info@geology.ie


ABSTRACT
Since 2018, Irish iron ores have been smelted into high-grade iron and steel at the annual Furnace Festival. This talk will detail the history of the event, including the practicalities of sourcing suitable iron ores. Highlights include: 1) the production of high-grade steel, derived from Irish bog iron ore, to make Japanese katana swords; and 2) the unexpected discovery of high-quality iron ore in the centre of the Burren. The Furnace Festival now operates with standardised shaft furnaces and high-grade bog iron ore from the Irish Midlands from which one can make a few kilos of iron in under two hours. Around 25 blacksmiths make objects of art and practical use directly from this newly born iron and steel at the festival. 

DR PAUL RONDALEZ
Due to a family history of mineral collecting, Paul has had a life-long interest in the history of mining and metal production. He graduated as an archaeologist from Ghent University (Belgium) with a Masters on the early iron production of Belgium, moved to Ireland to work as an archaeologist on infrastructure projects, then went to University College Cork where he did a PhD in 2014 on late-medieval iron production in Ireland.

Currently, Paul is a full-time writer of specialist reports on the remains of metal production found on archaeological sites, is Chair of the Historical Metallurgy Society, and is the main organiser of the Caherconnell International Furnace Festival.
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Topic:
Heritage
Programme:
Minerals
Category:
Education, Research