- Cook Labor Government continuing to diversify Western Australia's nation-leading economy
- Rio Tinto and Calix to build demonstration plant using zero-emissions iron technology
- Technology could provide a pathway for decarbonising the Pilbara's iron ore if successful
The Cook Labor Government is supporting development of Rio Tinto's new low-emission iron ore processing pilot facility, the second of its kind supported by the company to be built in Kwinana.
The project fulfils several objectives under the government's Made in WA plan, including economic diversification, value adding, and emissions reduction,
The project - a partnership between Rio Tinto and Calix - will involve a demonstration plant located near Kwinana designed to produce up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of hydrogen direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron.
The plant will utilise Calix's Zero Emissions Steel Technology (Zesty), which is compatible with lower grade iron ore and uses electric heating and hydrogen reduction to produce low-emissions iron.
Kwinana will provide the facility with access to established utilities, ports, and other infrastructure, as well as access to the nearby NeoSmelt facility - being jointly developed by Rio Tinto, as well as BHP, Mitsui, Woodside Energy, and BlueScope - for potential processing of DRI produced by the Zesty plant.
If successful, both technologies could a play a significant role in decarbonising and adding value to the State's most significant export.
NeoSmelt has already received a $75 million investment from the State Government and is also being supported by the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
As stated by Premier and Kwinana MLA Roger Cook:
"Adding value to our iron ore exports through green iron processing is a key part of my vision to make the State a renewable energy powerhouse and make more things here.
"By demonstrating how WA can decarbonise its most significant export, this project will support my government's efforts to diversify the State's economy so that it can remain the strongest in the nation.
"I welcome this agreement between Calix and Rio Tinto, which will play an important role in growing this exciting new industry in WA."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Green iron is a real opportunity for WA to grow our industrial base and create secure jobs.
"WA is the world's single-largest supplier of iron ore.
"Using our renewable energy resources to produce low-emission and green iron will strengthen regional economies and cut emissions in the supply chain.
"By processing more of our iron ore here at home, we retain billions in value, support local businesses, and build local skills."
