A project launched by German materials research institute BAM intends to enable large-scale production of green iron based on various fine ores.
As an alternative to the established direct reduction-based steelmaking route, the project will test hydrogen-based reduction in a rotary furnace near the mining site, Kallanish understands. This would also avoid pelletising and drying at the steelmaking site.
To carry out the project, named SuSteelAG, BAM has forged a partnership with Australian miner Fortescue. It will refine ores with low iron content of 55-70%, which have so far not been utilised feasibly, for industrial use by German mills.
The iron, reduced and pelletised in Australia, would be shipped to the steelmakers, which avoids conversion of energies upon arrival, and would bring down demand for renewable energy in the steelmaking countries, BAM explains. This then will lead to intelligent energy and raw materials trading between Australia and Germany, resulting in green steel production in Germany, the institute notes.
The project will run until the end of 2027.
Christian Koehl Germany
