A high-energy water-resistant pellet of at least 75% biomass material such as torrefied wood, whole-tree (white) wood, agricultural waste, flax and the like. and the remainder a binder comprising from about 2% to about 20% by total weight of the pellet. The binder is a two-component systema plasticizer, such as tall oil pitch, rosin, fatty acid, vegetable oils, animal oils, corn protein and glycerinpreferably from 3% to about 20% of the binder, and lignin from about 80-97% of the binder.

A high-energy water-resistant pellet of at least 75% biomass material such as torrefied wood, whole-tree (white) wood, agricultural waste, flax and the like. and the remainder a binder comprising from about 2% to about 20% by total weight of the pellet. The binder is a two-component systema plasticizer, such as tall oil pitch, rosin, fatty acid, vegetable oils, animal oils, corn protein and glycerinpreferably from 3% to about 20% of the binder, and lignin from about 80-97% of the binder.

Feedstock for steel production in an arc furnace comprising a first influent comprised of cured and bound solid pieces comprised of a mixture of carbon materials, including a dominate amount of low grade coal, and a second influent comprised of ferrous material comprising scrap iron and/or steel for full reaction with the carbon material to produce the alloy.