We helped develop a pre-feasibility study to provide clarity on the research infrastructure required to enable decarbonisation pathways for Western Australian iron ores.
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.
Steel production is one of the world’s most emissions-intensive industries. With Australia supplying half of all globally traded iron ore, developing low-emissions processing pathways is a national priority to ensure Australian ore remains competitive in a low-carbon global economy.
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:
Advancing low-emissions iron and steelmaking solutions by testing real-world applications and bridging the gap between research and commercial adoption.
Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and research institutions to align investment, policy, and innovation for industrial decarbonisation.
Providing critical insights into infrastructure, funding,and regulatory enablers, informing Australia’s strategy for scaling green iron and steel production.
We developed a prefeasibility study for an iron ore processing and iron making pilot facility with low emissions in collaboration CSIRO, and with support from Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA). Further support came 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.
We worked with industry and research stakeholders to develop a concept for a common user pilot facility for low-emissions iron and steelmaking. This study evaluated the infrastructure, equipment, technology, investment, and policy enablers required to establish a piloting facility powered by renewables—a vital step in de-risking emerging technologies, aligning industry investment, and positioning Australia as a global leader in green steel innovation.
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.
Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a leader in low-emissions iron and steel production, but this transition requires strategic alignment between technology development, industryinvestment, and policy support. By delivering a concept for a common user piloting facility, this project bridged the gap between research and commercial scale demonstration and deployment.
Beyond concept development, the study strengthened collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions, setting the foundation for future partnerships and investment in Australia’s industrial decarbonisation. By identifying key enablers and barriers, the project has informed policy development, funding strategies, and industry coordination efforts, ensuring that Australia can take decisive steps toward a green iron and steel future.
This study 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 was part of CSIRO’s Towards Net Zero initiative, which brought together research, industry, government, and communities to help Australia’s hardest to abate sectors halve their emissions by 2035.
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.