The upgrading of iron ore for DRI production using products from seawater

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

Use of renewable energy and reagents from seawater desalination brines to upgrade treated and leached lower grade wasted iron ores. Removing impurities effecting steel quality such as phosphorus and gangue will allow lower cost steel production. This is phase1 of a study with phase2 M10522 approved.

Proposed Benefits to WA

It will allow Western Australian ores to be increasing used for DRI production. It will produce large amounts of potable water as a bi-product which is valuable considering the iron ore resources are in the driest parts of Western Australia. Recovery of brines will greatly reduce the amount of brine for ocean disposal.