Rio Tinto awards Metso Corporation design and engineering contract for BioIron process

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has awarded Metso Corporation a detailed design and engineering contract for its continuous pilot plant (CPP) for the BioIron process.

This contract is an extension the work that Rio and Metso have being doing regarding the development of the BioIron process.

Metso director of ferrous metals Matthias Gabriel said the company is excited to continue working with Rio.

“We are very excited to continue the close working relationship with Rio Tinto and to provide engineering and design support as we move to the next phase of development of the BioIron technology,” he said.

Rio’s BioIron process uses raw biomass instead of metallurgical coal as a reductant and microwave energy to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process. It has the potential to support near-zero-carbon dioxide steelmaking and can result in net negative emissions if linked with carbon capture and storage.

The company is aiming to move further towards full-scale implementation of the BioIron technology through operation of a CPP.

Rio Tinto general manager of steel decarbonisation commented on the agreement.

“This work is the key next step in the development of the BioIron technology and builds on the success of the research and development team,” he said.