This book describes the principles of the blast furnace process and especially the control of the process. As a starting point, the blast furnace is seen as a simple iron ore smelter, while gradually the physical, chemical and metallurgical background of the blast furnace process is clarified. The book focuses on the control of the blast furnace process with respect to thermal control, gas flow control and casthouse operation. In this book, all essential process details are described and a special focus is on optimization of coal injection. The optimization of the blast furnace process is not only based on 'best practice transfer', but also requires conceptual understanding as to why a measure works well in some cases and does not work in other situations. In other words: operational improvement is not only based on know - how, but on know - why as well. This publication was and can be used as an introductory text for students of metallurgy as well as for blast furnace operators and management. The latter will benefit to solve operational problems and process optimization issues.The authors have very extensive experience as operators as well as consultants to many steel plants worldwide. With ''Modern Blast Furnace Ironmaking'' the reader has a compact compendium of the blast furnace process available: by operators and for operators and for those who are preparing to become operators.