- WA Government supports new project to help
decarbonise steel-making supply chain
- Western Australia uniquely placed to support
tripartite initiative
- Project is another example of global leadership
by WA's advanced iron ore industry
The Cook Government welcomes the announcement today that Western
Australian iron ore from the Pilbara will underpin investigations into the
development of Australia's first ironmaking Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF)
pilot plant.
WA's leading iron ore producers Rio Tinto and BHP will partner with
BlueScope on steel decarbonisation, with pilot plant trials potentially
commissioned as early as 2027.
The announcement of this partnership to develop a new low-carbon steel
smelting technology will allow the wider use of Western Australian ores in
future green steelmaking plants.
The technology is designed specifically to use Pilbara iron ore as a
feedstock, potentially providing a unique selling point for WA's iron ore
products in future.
Use of an electric smelter is enhanced using processed ores including
pellets, beneficiated concentrates, and direct reduced iron.
Further opportunities to reduce emissions across the steel-making supply
chain are applicable if plants can be located near renewable energy precincts.
Several precincts are currently being developed across regional WA where
co-location of an electric steel furnace pilot plant would be possible.
Today's announcement complements the Minerals
Research Institute of Western Australia's 'Green Steel Opportunity Report' released
in 2023, which outlines the Western Australian scenarios for the supply of low
emission options for the production of low emission steel. 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 conduct a prefeasibility study for a low
emissions iron plant to test the suitability of making iron for use in electric
furnaces, including the development of an electric iron smelter, using WA iron
ore.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Western Australia is in the box seat 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 positioned to support a low-carbon steel
project, given our vast reserves of high-grade iron ore, mature and advanced
iron ore industry, local technological know-how, and significant renewable
energy opportunities.
"We look forward to engaging
with Rio Tinto, BHP and BlueScope on how we can support this project."
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum
Minister David Michael:
"The global push to a low-carbon economy provides Western
Australia with a unique opportunity to play a key role in efforts to
decarbonise the steel-making supply chain.
"The support of new technologies by Western Australian iron
ore companies demonstrates the commitment and foresight of a responsible and
sustainable industry.
"I look forward to the development and progression in Western
Australia of this and other low-carbon steel technologies that can be supported
by our renewable energy opportunities and world class mineral reserves."
