Green pyromet/hydromet pathways

The Challenge

DRI production is set to grow from 8% to 24% pf iron production by 2050 (the MRIWA green steel report 2023). To make this production economic higher grade iron ores will be required. An increasing proportion of mined iron ore in Western Australia will not be of suitable grade for DRI.

Proposed Solution

By exploring which combined low- to mid-temperature pyrometallurgical-hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical-dry magnetic separation (DMS), and low-temperature fluidised-bed magnetisation roasting (FBMR)-hydrometallurgical and FBMR-DMS flow sheet options powered by renewables might have the potential to upgrade Pilbara BID, CID and DID fine iron ores to >65 % Fe and preferably >67% Fe.

Proposed Benefits to WA

This project will allow iron ores from western Australia to be upgraded more easily and will further allow the use of typical goethite ores in the Pilbara for further processing including pellets and green iron.