Article

Fortescue's low-temperature direct electrochemical reduction (DER) process, designed to convert low-grade iron ore into high-grade magnetite at 130ºC without hydrogen, is set for real-world testing following successful government-funded trials. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) report indicates readiness for a 100 kg-feed pilot that aims to convert at least half of the feedstock into metallic iron.

This process utilizes a solid-state slurry electrolyser with an alkaline electrolyte, allowing the use of intermittent renewable energy. The project seeks to enhance competitiveness for Pilbara iron ore and reduce carbon emissions.

Fortescue has previously produced 150 kg of zero-carbon metallic iron in lab conditions and continues to develop its hydrogen-based direct reduction iron project at Christmas Creek. The ARENA-backed pilot has received $5 million in funding as part of a $43 million project.