Flexible pilot plant for low emissions iron making prefeasibility study

The Challenge

The world is moving towards green steel.  Without clear understanding of how Western Australian ores will respond to alternative forms of processing, and the research infrastructure to undertake that work, the opportunity may be captured by others.

Proposed Solution

The provision of innovation infrastructure, capability and a research ecosystem to enable demonstration of the suitability of Western Australian ores for processing to green steel is required.

The prefeasibility study for an iron ore processing and iron making pilot facility with low emissions will assist with the identification of the necessary research capability and demonstration infrastructure needed.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will collaborate with Climate-KIC Australia, to undertake the work and the concept design supported by Swedish metals research institute, Swerim.

Proposed Benefits to WA

Clarity on the research infrastructure required to support the State iron ore’s future to enable consideration of decarbonisation pathways.

The project contributes to CSIRO’s Towards Net Zero Mission to help iron ore resources halve their emissions by 2035.

Key words: Green Steel, Decarbonisation, Iron Ore, Hydrogen, Renewables, Mining, Net Zero Emissions