- WA Government supports new project to help decarbonise the steel manufacturing supply chain
- Western Australia is uniquely positioned to support the tripartite initiative
- The project is another example of global leadership by WA's advanced iron ore industry.
The Cook Government welcomes today's announcement that Western Australia's Pilbara iron ore will support research into the development of Australia's first iron-making electric smelter (ESF) pilot plant.
WA's major iron ore producers Rio Tinto and BHP will partner with BlueScope on steel decarbonisation, with pilot plant trials could get underway from 2027.
The announcement of this partnership to develop new low-carbon steel smelting technology will enable wider use of Western Australian minerals in future green steel plants.
The technology is specifically designed to use Pilbara iron ore as a feedstock, which could provide a unique selling point for WA iron ore products in the future.
The use of an electric smelter is enhanced by using processed minerals including pellets, beneficiated concentrates and direct reduced iron.
More opportunities to reduce emissions can be applied across the steelmaking supply chain if plants can be located near renewable energy precincts.
Several sites are currently being developed in the WA region where co-location of an electric steel furnace pilot plant would be possible.
Today's announcement complements the Western Australian Minerals Research Institute's 'Green Steel Opportunities Report' published in 2023, which outlines Western Australia's scenarios for the provision of low-emission options for low-emission steel production. . The report can be accessed here: mriwa.wa.gov.au/minerals-research-advancing-western-australia/focus-areas/green-steel
A key recommendation of the study was to undertake a pre-feasibility study for a low-emission iron plant to test the suitability of manufacturing iron for use in electric furnaces, including the development of an electric iron smelter, using WA iron ore.
Comments attributed to Prime Minister Roger Cook:
โWestern Australia features prominently in the global energy transition, and my Government is committed to securing a strong future for WA, creating long-term local jobs in a clean energy economy.
"WA is best placed to support a low-carbon steel project, given our vast high-grade iron ore reserves, a mature and advanced iron ore industry, local technological know-how and significant renewable energy opportunities. .
โWe look forward to collaborating with Rio Tinto, BHP and BlueScope on how we can support this project.โ
Comments attributed to Minister of Mines and Petroleum, David Michael:
โThe global drive towards a low-carbon economy provides Western Australia with a unique opportunity to play a key role in efforts to decarbonise the steel manufacturing supply chain.
โThe support of new technologies by Western Australian iron ore companies demonstrates the commitment and foresight of a responsible and sustainable industry.
โI look forward to the development and progression in Western Australia of this and other low-carbon steel technologies that can be supported by our world-class renewable energy opportunities and mineral reserves.โ
