GFG Alliance’s mining arm, SIMEC Mining has produced its first GREENSTEEL pellets that will underpin the future of steel production utilising hydrogen rather than coal at GFG’s primary steelworks at Whyalla, South Australia.

The pellets were produced from the company’s Duchess South drill core in the Southern Middleback Ranges using technologies proposed for SIMEC’s magnetite mining operations which are currently being expanded.

As part of routine production, a small parcel of magnetite concentrate was successfully converted to pellets in the existing pellet plant – steel is generally made using haematite ore.

The successful production of the Direct Reduction grade pellets is another significant step forward in GFG Alliance’s GREENSTEEL transformation at Whyalla, and is coupled with the successful commissioning of a 400t/ph magnetite enrichment demonstration pilot plant.

“This grade of magnetite is a key enabler to Whyalla’s GREENSTEEL future, and strengthens its position as a consistent global supplier of premium quality magnetite to support low carbon intensive steelmaking.''

Theuns Victor, interim CEO of primary steel and mining, and director of industrial projects

Interim CEO of primary steel and mining, and director of industrial projects Theuns Victor said: “This grade of magnetite is a key enabler to Whyalla’s GREENSTEEL future, and strengthens its position as a consistent global supplier of premium quality magnetite to support low carbon intensive steelmaking.

“When combined with renewables, particularly solar from our Cultana Solar Farm, our port, a skilled workforce, and supportive community and government, we have all the ingredients to create a world leading GREENSTEEL hub at Whyalla and fulfil our CN30 mission.”

“The high quality of our ore makes it a critical resource to enable GREENSTEEL manufacturing and this successful pellet production is a significant milestone toward realising our plans.''

Gavin Hobart, SIMEC mining general manager- magnetite expansion and growth

SIMEC mining general manager- magnetite expansion and growth Gavin Hobart said: “Our existing iron-ore operation in Whyalla is home to some of the highest purity and most desirable deposits of magnetite in the world.

“The high quality of our ore makes it a critical resource to enable GREENSTEEL manufacturing and this successful pellet production is a significant milestone toward realising our plans.

“Stage two of our magnetite expansion project represents a generational opportunity for economic growth in Whyalla.

“Once operational, the project is expected to employ more than 1,200 workers and support around 3,500 people in the broader community.”