Pronunciation: [mˈɪnɪmˌɪl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "minimill" is noteworthy as it implies the use of two different "i" sounds. The first "i" sound is represented by the letter "i" and is pronounced as in "pin" /pɪn/. The second "i" sound is represented by the letter "i" with the diacritical mark "˘" beneath it, which indicates a short "uh" sound /ə/. Thus, the word is spelled as "minimill" /ˈmɪnɪˌmɪl/ and is pronounced with both "i" sounds together.
A minimill refers to a small-scale steel mill or factory that produces steel products through recycling scrap metal. This type of mill is characterized by its compact size and simplified manufacturing process, which typically involves melting and refining scrap steel into various steel products. Minimills have gained popularity over traditional integrated steel mills due to their cost efficiency and flexibility.
The primary input for a minimill is recycled or scrap steel, which can be obtained from various sources such as demolished buildings, automobiles, and industrial waste. This scrap is then melted in an electric arc furnace, which uses electricity to generate high temperatures, allowing the metal to liquefy. The liquefied metal is then refined and shaped into the desired steel product, such as bars, sheets, or beams. This simplified process reduces the need for expensive raw materials and enables minimills to produce steel products at lower costs.
Minimills are known for their flexibility in producing various steel grades and sizes, catering to specific customer requirements. They can quickly adapt to market demands and produce steel products in smaller batches, unlike traditional mills that require larger production volumes. Additionally, minimills are often integrated with steel processing facilities, allowing them to perform tasks such as rolling, cutting, and coating the finished steel products.
Overall, minimills revolutionized the steel industry by providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of producing steel through recycling scrap metal, making steel production more accessible and sustainable.
The term "minimill" is a combination of two words: "mini" and "mill".
The word "mini" is derived from the Latin word "minimus", meaning "smallest" or "least". It is commonly used as a prefix in English to describe something that is smaller in size or scale compared to its standard or full-sized version. For example, "minicar" refers to a small car and "miniskirt" refers to a short skirt.
The word "mill" comes from the Latin word "mola", which originally referred to a large stone used for grinding grain. Over time, it evolved to refer to the entire apparatus or factory involved in the process of grinding grain into flour. This sense of the word was then extended to include other types of industrial facilities, such as those used in manufacturing, processing, or refining various materials.
