Midrex and Vale collaborate to use iron ore briquettes in DRI plants

Executives of the two companies met at the Midrex Research & Technology Development Center and signed a Technical Co-operation Agreement, which Midrex stated represented their unity for a ‘common vision for steelmaking decarbonization.’

The agreement extends the parties’ technical co-operation and test work developed over the last year. Vale’s proprietary briquetting technology enables the production of iron ore agglomerates from a low-temperature process using a technological solution of binders, which the miner claims gives the final product high mechanical strength.

Once the technology has been successfully demonstrated in MIDREX® plants, both partners plan to evaluate the creation of a joint venture to exclusively provide briquette technology and facilities to the market.

“This agreement is a recognition by one of the world’s leading suppliers of direct reduction technology of the briquette’s strong potential to decarbonize the global steel industry,” said Vale’s CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo. “More than a technical cooperation agreement, it is the start of a partnership that will play a crucial role in scaling briquette technology to several markets.”

“We are very excited to be working with Vale to find a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for using iron ore fines in DR Plants,” KC Woody, Midrex president and CEO, added. “And the ability to convert DRI fines and other waste streams into a saleable product presents an even greater opportunity.”