Tenova’s ENERGIRON DR plant achieves its first direct reduced iron production in Bolivia

This major milestone marks a new phase in the long-standing collaboration between Tenova and the Chinese EPC contractor Sinosteel Equipment and Engineering, which provides turnkey solutions for mining, metals, and infrastructure projects worldwide.

The advanced and cost-effective DR Micro Module uses the state-of-the-art ENERGIRON Zero-Reformer (ZR) process, jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli. With an annual production capacity of 250.000 tons of DRI, the plant will supply the melting shop with high-quality DRI featuring a 94% metallization rate and an adjustable carbon content in the 3–4% range. With these characteristics, the facility becomes Bolivia’s first DRI production plant.

The DRI plant will be integrated into a large steel complex consisting of seven sections: Concentration, Pelletizing, Direct Reduction (DRP), Steel Plant, Rolling Mill, Power Plant, and Auxiliary Facilities. Once operating at full capacity, the complex is expected to meet nearly half of the country’s steel demand. This development is considered one of the most significant steps toward green steel production in Bolivia.

Stefano Maggiolino, President and CEO of Tenova HYL, commented on the project:
“We are proud to be part of this strategic project alongside EMS and Sinosteel, and to contribute to Bolivia’s sustainable industrial development. Our team has demonstrated its commitment to technical excellence, which made this achievement possible. Through our innovative DRI technology, we are helping shape the future of the green steel industry in the region.”