GREEN METAL PROJECT
Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara is our Green Metal Project, which is expected to produce more than 1,500 tonnes per annum of green metal, with first production anticipated in 2025.
The project is located at our Green Energy Hub at Christmas Creek, and will help ensure Fortescue is ahead of the pack, by developing the technologies and processes to produce green metal.
KEY FACTS
1,500t
Of green iron metal per year.
US$50m
Capital expenditure.
2025
First production.
How it works
The plant will use green hydrogen in a reduction furnace to convert iron ore into sponge iron, which is further processed in an electric smelting furnace (ESF), to produce high purity green iron metal. This will be suitable for use in almost any steel plant globally.
The green hydrogen is produced right next door, at our gaseous and liquid hydrogen facility (the largest of its kind in Australia). Both the hydrogen facility, and the ESF are partly powered by more than 160,000 solar panels during the day.
By 2030, the facility will be wholly powered by renewable energy (once we achieve our decarbonisation plan).
UNLOCKING A GREEN STEEL INDUSTRY
Traditional iron and steel production processes are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world.
We’re working closely with our customers and partners on our plan to provide more than 100Mt of green iron metal to China each year, helping to eliminate more than 200Mt of carbon dioxide emissions.
This facility is part of that plan.
From pit to product
Locating the pilot facility at Christmas Creek allows Fortescue to demonstrate a ‘green pit to product’ supply chain, with the Company’s green mining fleet able to be paired with green ironmaking. The ironmaking technology for the Project will support Fortescue’s magnetite and haematite ores.
By rethinking the entire iron and steel value chain we’ll produce an entirely new, green industry here in Australia.
Andrew Forrest
Executive Chairman