The potential for Western Australia to join the globally expanding value chain for green steelmaking is highlighted in new research released by the Western Australian government.
Western Australia’s Green Steel Opportunity research, led by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), outlines how WA iron ore can be used to lower emissions from steelmaking.
In particular, the research identifies five pathways, one of which is the export of hematite and magnetite concentrate from Western Australian mines driven by renewable energy.
A switch to green iron ore mining would reduce CO2 emissions by 0.07 tonnes per tonne of steel produced, the report stated.
A second approach would involve expanding Western Australia’s existing facilities to produce green pellets, which would be produced using renewable hydrogen and could be utilised in iron and steelmaking technologies.
According to the analysis, using green pellets in steelmaking could result in a 0.12tCO2 reduction per tonne of steel produced.
The third and fourth pathways proposed in the report would expand on the manufacturing of green pellets and add another product to WA’s exportable list.
In this situation, green pellets manufactured from fossil fuels or renewable hydrogen might be used to produce hot briquetted iron (HBI) for use in steelmaking.
The fifth outcome is the potential development of a local sector for the production of green steel, supported entirely by renewable energy sources.
“Our State’s abundant renewable energy resources alongside our world-leading iron ore industry puts WA front and centre in the global push towards green steel,” stated Premier Roger Cook.
Cook emphasised that moving up the value chain for green steel would diversify Australia’s economy and increase the number of local jobs throughout the state.
“This report delivers on an important election commitment and will help to position Western Australia as an investment destination for low-emissions steel opportunities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the WA government now has a thorough grasp of both the prospects for future value addition of iron ore in Western Australia as well as the problems facing the steel sector in its decarbonisation efforts.
“There is increasing interest in Western Australia by the steel industry given the access to our iron ore resources and renewable energy options. Coordinated efforts will be required to secure that investment,” Minister Johnston said.
The report is available via the MRIWA website.
