Heavy industry decarbonisation faces significant challenges, including high capital costs, availability and cost of renewable energy and hydrogen, technology maturity and scalability, and market demand for lower-emissions products.

NeoSmelt is a joint venture between BHP, BlueScope, Mitsui Iron Ore Development, Rio Tinto and Woodside Energy to advance the development of a lower-emissions ironmaking pathway using Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF) technology. The project seeks to generate the technical knowledge and operational data required to support assessment of future commercial-scale deployment of the DRI-ESF pathway using Pilbara iron ores. This collaborative approach enables industry participants to share expertise, reduce development risk and accelerate learning across the steel value chain.

NeoSmelt is currently undertaking a Feasibility Study to further define the technical, commercial and operational requirements of a proposed pilot-scale DRI-ESF facility. Subject to approvals and a Final Investment Decision (FID), the Pilot would be constructed within the Western Trade Coast in Western Australia and operated as a research and development facility to test, demonstrate and optimise the DRI-ESF process using Pilbara iron ores. The Pilot is intended to generate reliable operational data, reduce scale-up risks and assess the technical feasibility of future commercial deployment.

Further information about the project is available at NeoSmelt (www.neosmelt.au).

Subject to project approvals and FID, procurement activities for labour, materials and equipment will be undertaken by BlueScope, supported by Industry Capability Network (ICN) in identifying potential suppliers and contractors.

ICN will manage the Expression of Interest (EOI) process and act as the primary point of contact for EOI-related enquiries. BlueScope will directly issue tenders to shortlisted suppliers and contractors and will manage subsequent tender communications and award notifications.

The proposed Pilot facility will be located within the Rockingham Industrial Zone and is expected to comprise:

• Iron ore materials handling facilities
• Direct Reduction Plant (DRP)
• Cold Direct Reduced Iron (CDRI) storage silos
• Raw material storage and blending facilities
• Feed preparation and batching plant
• Electric Smelting Furnace (ESF)
• Product storage facilities
• Balance of plant and non-process infrastructure