Fortescue and TISCO join forces on green ironmaking technology trial

Fortescue and Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. (TISCO), a subsidiary of China Baowu, have signed a technology development agreement to explore new low-carbon metallurgical processes to help the steel industry accelerate its decarbonisation.

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate on an industrial trial of hydrogen-based plasma-enhanced iron and steel metallurgy. This emerging technology has the potential to create a more compact, energy-efficient and hydrogen-enabled ironmaking process, removing the need for sintering, pelletising and coking. For Fortescue, it also presents an opportunity to explore another low-carbon ironmaking route that could be compatible with its Pilbara ores.

The project includes the design, construction and operation of a pilot industrial test line capable of producing up to 5,000 tonnes of molten iron per year.

 Fortescue will provide financial support for the development program and establish a joint technical committee with TISCO and relevant partners to jointly advance its implementation.

Fortescue Growth and Energy CEO, Gus Pichot said: “This partnership is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in green ironmaking.

“Hydrogen-based plasma technology shows real promise. We want to see how it can support green ironmaking using Fortescue Pilbara ores, and whether it can run reliably in continuous production.

“TISCO brings a huge amount of experience and working together gives us a powerful platform to trial emerging technologies. It’s another way we’re backing innovation that could reshape how green iron is made.”