According to BlueScope, the companies will set to work on a hydrogen direct reduction and iron melter concept, which will involve producing a low-emissions iron feed and explore the direct reduction of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ores, with the intent of using green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity.
 
The two companies will also explore projects involving iron ore processing and technologies related to reducing emissions from existing iron- and steelmaking processes.
 
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) expands the collaboration between the two companies, who were already jointly studying technology to reduce carbon emissions.
 
“We are pleased to be working with Rio Tinto who supply the majority of iron ore to our Port Kembla plant. It’s a natural fit for us both and a meaningful opportunity for Australian steelmaking and mining to explore ways of contributing to emissions reduction targets,” said BlueScope chief executive Mark Vassella.
 
“The new collaboration will focus on utilizing green hydrogen for direct reduction of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ores, which will then be fed into a melter.”
 
Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s chief executive Simon Trott said, “It is very early days, but both BlueScope and Rio Tinto are committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and we realize that, to get there, we need to investigate multiple pathways and strike partnerships across the steel value chain.”