RIO: Net-zero CO₂, Hydrogen-based Fine-Ore Reduction

[Sparty]

Primetals Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation, Rio Tinto, and voestalpine entered into a collaboration agreement on April 1, 2025, to develop and deploy an industrial-scale prototype plant in Linz, Austria, aimed at achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions in ironmaking. The facility is expected to commence operations by mid-2027.

Key Highlights:
The innovative process integrates Hydrogen-based Fine-Ore Reduction (HYFOR) with Smelter technology, producing three tons of hot metal per hour.

HYFOR is the world's first direct reduction method for iron ore fines that eliminates the need for agglomeration.

The Smelter utilizes renewable energy to melt and fully reduce direct reduced iron (DRI).

Rio Tinto will supply 70% of the iron ore and contribute technical expertise.

Funding is provided by the Austrian government and the European Union.

The initiative supports voestalpine?s "greentec steel" program, targeting a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2029 (compared to 2019 levels).

By potentially removing the pelletisation step, the technology offers advantages for both steel producers and mining companies.

This project marks a major step forward in hydrogen-based direct reduction, paving the way for more sustainable steel production.

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