Tenova, a leading developer and provider of technology solutions for the decarbonization of the metals industry, has been awarded a contract to carry out the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) pilot plant, a core component of the NeoSmelt project.
The project is led by a consortium of BlueScope, BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy, and Mitsui Iron Ore Development, aimed at developing a lower-emissions ironmaking pilot facility. The plant will demonstrate that Pilbara iron ores can be used in a DRI-electric smelting furnace (DRI-ESF), which has lower emissions in the steelmaking process compared to other methods used.
The contract concerns the current feasibility phase of the project. The Kwinana Industrial Area, south of Perth, has been chosen as the preferred location for the pilot facility. The Final Investment Decision is expected in 2026, and operations at the facility will begin in 2028 if approved.
The DRI plant will use ENERGIRON DRI technology, will have dual operational flexibility, and will be capable of processing medium-grade iron ore, adding strategic value, and will be equipped with an integrated carbon capture system.
Courtesy of Tenova.