31 March 2023, Perth – CSIRO and Climate-KIC Australia will conduct a conceptual study for a common user / open research pilot facility for low emissions low-emissions iron ore processing and ironmaking, with funding from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia.

Working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, the project will identify the necessary research and demonstration infrastructure needed for Western Australian iron ore resources to transition to low emissions processing.  Further support for this study will come from the Swedish metals research institute (SWERIM), which has extensive experience in designing, building and operating pilot-scale metallurgical equipment for the Swedish iron and steel industry.

The study is the first step in establishing a common user research facility to support the piloting and demonstration of Australian iron ore processing for green steel production in the future.

The project is part of CSIRO’s Towards Net Zero Mission, a large-scale scientific and collaborative research initiative bringing together research, industry, government, and communities to help Australia’s hardest-to-abate sectors, including resources and agriculture, halve their emissions by 2035.

This study also builds on decarbonisation pathway analysis and industry engagement completed by the Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative, co-convened by Climateworks Centre and Climate-KIC Australia.

The study will be completed by the end of 2023. If you would like to be part of the consultation process, please get in touch via the project page.