Accelerating the piloting and demonstration of Australian iron ore processing for green steel production in the future.
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 outcomes of the study can be used to lay the foundations for a detailed engineering design study supported by public and private stakeholders.
Accelerating the piloting and demonstration of Australian iron ore processing for green steel production in the future.
Identify the pilot equipment and knowledge and skills required for industry.
Understanding what already exists nationally and globally, key gaps and technology/education providers to fill gaps.
Concept sketch for a common user facility, and business and operating model options.
The project aims to provide clarity on the research infrastructure required to enable decarbonisation pathways for Western Australian iron ores.
The outcomes of the study can be used to lay the foundations for a detailed engineering design study supported by public and private stakeholders.
The project contributes to CSIRO’s Towards Net Zero Mission to help iron ore resources halve their emissions by 2035.
Approximately half of all globally traded iron ore comes from Western Australia, accounting for greater than half of all mineral and petroleum economic value in the state. Iron ore is also by far the greatest current export earner for Australia. With many of Australia’s trading partners now committed to net zero emissions, the ability to efficiently and cost-effectively convert Australian hematite, goethite and magnetite ores into low-emissions iron and steel using renewable energy is critical for a) enabling decarbonisation of the iron and steel supply chain and supporting the global transition to net zero emissions, and b) securing a future export market for Australian iron ore and related value-added products such as green iron for steelmaking.
The project aims to provide clarity on the research infrastructure required to enable decarbonisation pathways for Western Australian iron ores.
The outcomes of the study can be used to lay the foundations for a detailed engineering design study supported by public and private stakeholders.
The project contributes to CSIRO’s Towards Net Zero Mission to help iron ore resources halve their emissions by 2035.
The provision of innovation infrastructure, capability and a research ecosystem to enable demonstration of the suitability of Western Australian ores for processing to green steel is required.
The prefeasibility study for an iron ore processing and iron making pilot facility with low emissions will assist with the identification of the necessary research capability and demonstration infrastructure needed.
Climate-KIC Australia and CSIRO will work with industry, researchers and governments to identify the necessary research and demonstration infrastructure needed for WA 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 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 project will engage broadly and deeply with industry and other stakeholders to gather key input, to co-design key outputs and ensure buy-in and support for the concept.
Climate-KIC Australia will collaborate with CSIRO to deliver the project, with additional support from the Swedish metals research institute (SWERIM). The study is funded by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
As Director of Strategic Projects, Jason develops and leads multi-stakeholder system transition initiatives, leveraging his experience in Europe over the past decade working with large scale demonstrations and innovation ecosystem building initiatives for industry and cities.
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