In a statement, Boston Metal said it has started a molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) cell that has multiple inert anodes, the essential piece of the technology that allows scalable production of pure liquid iron without emitting any carbon dioxide.

“We are the only company with a direct and scalable approach to more efficient and clean steelmaking, and I can now say that tonnage steel is flowing from our multi-inert anode MOE cell,” said Boston Metal chief executive Tadeu Carneiro. 

“With this milestone, we are taking a major step forward in making green steel a reality and we’re doing it right here in the U.S., demonstrating the critical innovation that can enhance domestic manufacturing.”

According to the company, the process can convert all iron ore grades to high-quality liquid metal, eliminating the need for many of the upstream processes associated with traditional ironmaking, such as cokemaking, iron ore pelletizing, and sintering and blast furnace reduction. 

That, the company said, is an advantage that protects against the scarcity and price volatility of premium ores. 
Boston Metal said it plans to license its technology. It intends to deploy its first demonstration plant in 2026.