A German-Australian project is testing the potential of green iron
The project, launched by the German BAM Institute for Materials Research, aims to create conditions for large-scale production of raw cast iron based on various fine ores.
As an alternative to the established direct reduction steel smelting method, the project will test the hydrogen-based reduction process in a rotary kiln near the mining site, according to Kallanish. This would also avoid pelletizing and drying in the steelmaking plant.
To implement the SuSteelAG project, BAM has established a partnership with the Australian company Fortescue. It will process ores with a low iron content (55-70%), which have so far been practically unused, for industrial use in German factories.
The iron recovered and granulated in Australia will be shipped to steel mills, which will avoid energy conversion on arrival and reduce demand for renewable energy sources in steel-producing countries, explains BAM. This will lead to a reasonable trade in energy and raw materials between Australia and Germany, leading to the production of environmentally friendly steel in Germany, the institute notes.
The project will last until the end of 2027.
Christian Kel Germany
kallanish.com