News Room - Steel Industry

Posted on 17 May 2024

LIBERTY succeeds in magnetite testing for hydrogen DRI-EAF production in Whyalla

LIBERTY Primary Metals Australia (LIBERTY), part of GFG Alliance, successfully tested its magnetite iron ore at facilities in Egypt and Canada, exceeding quality and performance expectations. These tests coincide with the final design phase of LIBERTY's DRI-EAF green steel plant in Whyalla, which is set to commence operations in 2027.

With the growing demand for low-carbon technologies, high-quality magnetite iron ore is critical. LIBERTY's mines near Whyalla can produce some of the world's highest-grade concentrate from over 4 billion tons of magnetite ore. Recent tests showed LIBERTY's magnetite outperformed reference pellets in Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) units, demonstrating superior performance in reducibility and overall efficiency.

The Whyalla project, featuring a DRI-EAF (Direct Reduced Iron - Electric Arc Furnace) setup, will use advanced technology to create a highly energy-efficient steel production process. Collaboration with equipment manufacturer Danieli and engineering firms NPT and Beca has refined the plant's design, integrating renewable energy sources.

LIBERTY is promoting its green steel initiative at the World Hydrogen Conference in Rotterdam, highlighting Whyalla's transformation supported by the South Australian Government's hydrogen plans and recent federal funding for green hydrogen initiatives.

Source:Yieh