direct reduced iron Technology
Committee Meeting

wednesday, 4 november 2026 • virtual


Agenda – 04 November 2026

Chair’s Opening Remarks – Angelo Manenti        <9:00am EST> 

Introduction of DRI Technology Committee Officers

Technical Presentations          <9:15am EST>

  1. Update from GravitHy – Jose Noldin, 
  2. Technical Presentation #2 – Tata Steel Ijmiuden
  3. Technical Presentation #3 – GravitHy 
  4. Panel Discussion

Break     <11:15 am EST>

Business Meeting     <11:20am EST>

  1. Appoint minute-taker
  2. Antitrust guidelines
  3. Membership and attendance
  4. Review minutes of previous meeting
  5. AIST Staff Announcements – Madison Dehel
  6. Steel Industry Fatalities
  7. Main Agenda Items
  • AISTech session development – Chris Pistorius
    1. Selection of Abstracts, handle via conference call if necessary – Due by 16 Sept 2027
    2. Determine session structure including session titles & session chairs – Due by 28 Oct 2027
    3. Review Papers Chair and Session Chair instructions
      • Papers Chair - This position is a leadership role consisting of the development of sessions and the management of session chairs. The role of Papers Chair is to ensure authors follow paper and PowerPoint submissions and to ensure registration to avoid no shows. The Papers Chair is also responsible for coordinating the selection of the Best Paper Award winner.
      • Session Chair - This position supports the Papers Chair of the respective technology committee by communicating to the authors on topic content as well as on missing or late submission of required information. The Session Chairs will review and evaluate the paper and presentation files for content as well as for publication and awards (an evaluation form will be provided). During AISTech, the session chair will ensure their session runs smoothly with the assistance of AIST Staff
    4. Obtain volunteers for Session Chair
  • Finalize AISTech call for papers for next year
    1. The production of DR-grade pellets EAF-grade pellets; lump ore (feedstock); different sources and treatment of reducing agents, including natural gas, hydrogen or other reductants; oxide coating; testing and analysis of raw materials; material handling; storage; shipping; process modeling, simulation and other digital aspects of direct reduction plants; catalytic, steam and self-reformers; gas distribution; refractory design and selection; solid flow issues; reduction and gas handling equipment; waste management; safety; environmental issues; CO2 recovery and use; value-in-use of DRI; product quality; plant operation and results; briquetting; DRI use in processes (blast furnace, EAF, BOF, foundries); and auxiliary systems, including water, gases and power.
  • Technology committee award planning – DRI Best Paper Award 2027
    1. Winner: 
  • Technology Training Conference – Zane Voss 
    1. USA – DRI & HBI: Logistics, Production, and Utilization
      • Date: September 2027
      • Tour: Cleveland Cliffs Northshore Mining (to be confirmed)
      • Location: Duluth, MN
    2. European Short Course – DRI & HBI: Logistics, Production, and Utilization
      • Location: Leoben, Austria
      • Date: 11 or 18 October 2027 (to be confirmed)
  • Update from liaisons (if applicable)
    1. Safety & Health – to be confirmed
    2. Decarbonization Subcommittee – Nagababu Sanapala
    3. Young Professionals – Rafaela Rapalo & Judy Park
    4. AI Subcommittee
  1. Next meeting
  • Date: week of March 8th (to be confirmed)
  • Location: Houston, TX
  • Tour: Hertha Metals
  1. Chair conclusion
  2. Meeting Adjourn             <1:00pm EST>