Outokumpu is proceeding with the EVOLVE strategy to enhance the production of critical carbon-free materials, such as chromium metal and enriched ferrochrome. The company has invested approximately USD $45 million in a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, U.S., planned to be operational in H1 of 2027. The pilot plant with its unique engineering will represent a significant step forward in Outokumpu’s strategy to scale up the proprietary technology announced earlier this year.
The aim of the pilot phase is to demonstrate the scalability and industrial feasibility of the process by scaling up from 1 kg to 1 ton of daily production. The two materials that will be produced in the pilot plant are enriched ferrochrome, containing 65% chrome and chromium metal, with more than 90% chrome content. Such an implementation of technology would advance its Ferrochrome business towards specialty metals business.
Following the successful completion of the pilot phase, Outokumpu plans to construct the first industrial-scale plant, with an anticipated annual production capacity of approximately 10,000 tons. The target timeline for the industrial plant to be operational is 2029–2030, and Outokumpu expects to unlock the full commercial potential of the innovative proprietary technology from 2030 onwards.
Courtesy of Outokumpu.