Metso
Assembly Line
A new way to decarbonise steelmaking - BioIron
BioIron™ uses raw biomass and microwave energy instead of coal to convert Pilbara iron ore to iron and has the potential to support low carbon dioxide (CO2) steelmaking. Our modelling shows that when combined with renewable energy and carbon-circulation by fast-growing biomass, BioIron™ has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% compared with the current blast furnace method.
We have proven the process works at a small-scale pilot plant, and now we’re planning to test it on a larger scale at our new BioIron™ Research & Development Facility. The development of the BioIron Research and Development Facility in the Rockingham Strategic Industrial Area, south of Perth, follows successful trials of the innovative ironmaking process in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany.
The BioIron facility will include a pilot plant that will be ten times bigger than its predecessor in Germany. It will also be the first time the innovative steelmaking process has been tested at a semi-industrial scale, capable of producing one tonne of direct reduced iron per hour. It will provide the required data to assess further scaling of the technology to a larger demonstration plant.
The plant has been designed in collaboration with University of Nottingham, Metso Corporation and Western Australian engineering company Sedgman Onyx. Fabrication of the equipment will begin this year, with commissioning expected in 2026. These works are expected to support up to 60 construction jobs.