BHP and POSCO to improve HyREX iron production technology

Tests using ore from BHP will be conducted at POSCO's demonstration plant

Australian mining company BHP and South Korean steel producer POSCO have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the development and testing of HyREX hydrogen-based ironmaking technology. This was announced in a statement by the companies.

HyREX from POSCO is a process designed to achieve near-zero emissions in steel production.

The partners will focus on improving hydrogen-based DRI production technology using fluidized bed reactors (FBR) and electric smelting furnaces (ESF).

The companies intend to exchange technical expertise and conduct trials using Pilbara iron ore from BHP at the South Korean company’s HyREX demonstration plant in Pohang. Once completed, it will be the first facility to use hydrogen-based FBR technology integrated with ESF for large-scale iron production.

POSCO’s FBR and ESF technologies are designed for the direct use of fine iron ore without granulation.

Construction of POSCO’s demonstration plant at the Pohang steelworks is expected to begin shortly, with commissioning scheduled for early 2028.

The parties’ cooperation is focused on research and development, performance demonstration, and evaluation of the feasibility of large-scale use of HyREX technology.

It should be noted that POSCO Holdings is strengthening its strategy to produce environmentally friendly steel and battery materials. At the end of May, the company announced the opening of a key mineral research center called the Australia Critical Minerals R&D Lab in Perth. In particular, it will focus on research into reducing carbon emissions and lowering the cost of raw materials in the production of steel and battery materials.