Mining giant Fortescue has initiated construction on a groundbreaking US$50 million green iron plant at its Christmas Creek iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
This project marks a significant step towards establishing a green iron industry in the state.
The Christmas Creek Green Iron Metal Project aims to produce high-purity pig iron using green hydrogen, making it compatible with steel plants worldwide.
According to Fortescue, it intends to have the plant operational and producing green iron metal by the end of 2025.
Dr Andrew Forrest, Fortescue Executive Chairman, said this project marks a pivotal moment in Fortescue’s journey to build a green metal supply chain.
“Iron and steel are the backbone of our infrastructure, however traditional iron and steel production processes are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. By rethinking the entire iron and steel value chain we can produce an entirely new, green industry here in Australia,” Forrest said.
“Today’s milestone is the culmination of bringing together green sustainable mining, large-scale renewable power and green hydrogen to produce green metal. Right now, we have a once in a generation opportunity to build a green supply chain, and Fortescue is wasting no time to seize it.”
WA Premier Roger Cook congratulated Fortescue on its work to decarbonise their operations. According to him, this shows the way for the resources industry right around the world.
“WA is on its way to becoming a global clean energy powerhouse, and a major producer, user and exporter of green iron,” he said.
“Hydrogen has an important role to play in remote areas like mine sites, helping to create our State’s green iron supply chain, reduce our reliance on diesel and slash emissions on site.”
In addition to the green iron plant, Fortescue has already launched the Christmas Creek Renewable Hydrogen Mobility Project.
This initiative includes a hydrogen refueling hub at the company’s Green Energy Hub on the mine site.
The $33.8 million project, supported by a $2 million grant from the WA Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund, features 10 hydrogen fuel-cell coaches that have replaced the previous diesel fleet used for crew transportation.
The hydrogen facility is expected to produce approximately 195 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually.
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