The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - November 18, 2024
GravithHy plans to produce ultra-low-carbon hot briquetted iron that is expected to contribute to significant reductions in the overall CO2 emissions of steelmaking.
Hot briquetted iron is a premium alternative to scrap and pig iron for steelmaking.
Continuing its global leadership in decarbonizing steelmaking, Rio Tinto is helping to accelerate GravithHy's project aimed at slashing ironmaking-related carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90%.
From the humblest of paper clips to the tallest skyscrapers, steel forms the framework for modern living. The process of transforming raw iron ore into steel, however, is responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions.
To push down the greenhouse gasses being released by this important sector of the global economy, GravitHy is developing a two-million-metric-ton-per-year iron production facility at Fos-sur-Mer, France, that will feature the infrastructure to produce ultra-low-carbon hydrogen utilizing the existing grid-connected nuclear power in France. This hydrogen will be used to produce hot briquetted iron, a high-quality product used in steelmaking.
Hot briquetted iron is a premium alternative to scrap and pig iron for steelmaking.
Through this process, GravitHy is providing a green link between iron ore producers like Rio Tinto and steelmakers that will benefit from steelmaking feedstock with an ultra-low-carbon footprint.
"We are developing one of the most advanced ultra-low-carbon iron projects worldwide, designated by the French government as an 'Industrial Project of Major National Interest,'" said GravitHy Chief Executive Officer José Noldin.
The project fits well with the decarbonization initiatives being advanced by Rio Tinto, a global mining company with 17 iron ore mines in Western Australia and five in eastern Canada and has invested heavily in reducing ironmaking and steelmaking CO2 emissions.
"This collaboration is aligned with Rio Tinto's steel decarbonization strategy to accelerate the development of low-carbon Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking with high-grade iron as feedstock," said Rio Tinto Head of Steel Decarbonization, Simon Farry. "This will allow us to both reduce our Scope 3 emissions and create valuable decarbonized pathways for our high-grade iron ore."
As part of its support for GravitHy's steel decarbonization project, Rio Tinto will supply the industrial startup with high-grade direct reduction iron ore pellets from its Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) operations in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The mining company with strong connections in the iron and steel business will also manage the sales and marketing of ultra-low carbon hot briquetted iron produced by GravitHy.
"By combining our business ambitions, agility, and technological capabilities with Rio Tinto's global leadership in mining and steel decarbonization, we are ensuring a solid sourcing and go-to-market strategy to help accelerate the development of this project," said Noldin.
Even a company as ingrained in the iron and steel industry as Rio Tinto can learn from agile startups like GravitHy.
"We are excited to support GravitHy's project and expand our understanding of the emerging green iron and steel market," said Farry.
GravitHy plans to commission its ultra-low-carbon hot briquetted iron plant in 2028.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
Reader Comments(0)