Pre-feasibility study on common user pilot facility for low emissions ironmaking
CSIRO will conduct a conceptual study for a common user, flexible pilot facility focused on low-emissions iron ore processing and ironmaking, with funding from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia.
CSIRO will collaborate with Climate-KIC Australia and work with a broad range of stakeholders from industry, research, education and government 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.
CSIRO’s pilot scale iron agglomeration plant at Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, Brisbane. (c) Copyright Sky Avenue Photography & Design
The study is the first step in establishing a common user pilot facility that would help to accelerate 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.
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 contact Adrien Guiraud.
This project has also been announced by MRIWA and Climate-KIC.