The transition to a green future for iron ore is set to radically change the iron ore to steel value chain; electrification and the use of green hydrogen can decrease CO₂ emissions across the value chain, from mining through to mineral processing, transport, raw material preparation, ironmaking and steelmaking.

Many different potential technology options exist or are under development to reduce scope three emissions, from the processing of iron ore to produce green iron and green steel. However, there is very little published that outlines the most prospective routes for Australian iron ore, and even less about how the iron ore and steelmaking industries might jointly settle on a transition path and an economically and technically feasible end-process. This includes determining the optimum location for each step in the process; e.g., should green iron be made in Australia?

Despite the enormity of this challenge, the sensitive nature of the research means that information is not widely available.  This discussion aims to explore options for this important topic by bringing together an expert panel comprised of original equipment manufacturers, steel producers and leading researchers in the field.