LIBERTY Primary Metals Australia (LIBERTY), part of GFG Alliance, has successfully tested its magnetite at specialised facilities in Egypt and Canada.
The results come as LIBERTY finalises the design of its integrated hydrogen DRI-EAF green steel plant in Whyalla, set to be operational in 2027.
LIBERTY has recently completed 'basket testing,' where its high-grade magnetite was run through full-scale Direct Reduction Iron units (DRI). The test pellets outperformed the reference pellets currently used in standard operating conditions at the Danieli (Tenova HYL) facility in Egypt and other commercial DRI plants.
The results, described as ‘outstanding’ for this stage of development, demonstrate the ‘superior performance of LIBERTY’s magnetite in reducibility, metallics and overall gangue loading’, says LIBERTY. Corem oversaw this test work on behalf of Danieli.
LIBERTY is also making progress on the final design of its DRI-EAF industrial complex in Whyalla. Collaborating with equipment manufacturer Danieli, LIBERTY plans to install an electric arc furnace equipped with Q-One technology, allowing for a direct feed from renewable energy sources to melt scrap and DRI.
''We are excited to announce that our high-grade magnetite has been validated as among the best in the world, positioning Whyalla and Australia at the forefront of this revolution.’’
Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman, LIBERTY
Executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta said: “From Europe to Australia, the steel industry is undergoing a remarkable revolution. As we bid farewell to outdated and highly polluting coke ovens and blast furnaces, our industry is on the brink of an extraordinary transformation to green iron and green steel production based on DRI-EAF technologies. This is especially the case in Whyalla, South Australia. We are excited to announce that our high-grade magnetite has been validated as among the best in the world, positioning Whyalla and Australia at the forefront of this revolution.’’