The Australian mining company Fortescue and Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. (TISCO), a subsidiary of China Baowu, agreed to work together on exploring new low-carbon metallurgical pathways that could support the steel sector’s transition.
Hydrogen-based plasma technology to be jointly tested
Under the agreement, the two companies will work on industrial-scale testing of hydrogen-based plasma-assisted iron and steel metallurgy. This emerging technology is said to offer a more compact and energy-efficient hydrogen-enabled ironmaking route without the traditional steps of sintering, pelletizing or coke-making.
The project also provides Fortescue with an opportunity to evaluate alternative low-carbon ironmaking solutions compatible with Pilbara ores.
Pilot line with 5,000-ton annual capacity
As part of the collaboration, the partners plan to design, build and operate a pilot industrial test line capable of producing up to 5,000 tons of molten iron per year. This facility will become the core platform for joint research and development.
Fortescue will provide financial support to the development program and, together with TISCO and other partners, will establish a joint technical committee to coordinate project steps and manage implementation.
“This partnership pushes the boundaries of green iron production”
Fortescue Growth and Energy CEO Gus Pichot stated: “This partnership is about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in green iron production. Hydrogen-based plasma technology is truly promising. We want to see how Fortescue can support green iron production using Pilbara ores, and whether this process can operate reliably in continuous production.
“TISCO brings tremendous expertise, and working together gives us a strong platform to test new technologies. This is another way of supporting innovation that could reshape how green iron is produced.”
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