$26 million to fund Australian-made iron technology

The Australian Government is providing $26 million in funding for technology that provides a pathway for Pilbara ore in lower-emissions iron production.

The government funding is supporting Perth-based Element Zero through the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), to pilot technology transforming Australian iron ore into high-purity iron using an electrochemical process.

The $53.7 million project could help Australia capture more value from its iron ore resources, build specialist skills and strengthen Australian industrial supply chains.

“Australia has the iron ore the world needs and some of the best renewable energy resources in the world — the opportunity is to bring those advantages together and make more things here,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

“This investment backs Australian technology that could add more value to Australian iron ore, support Australian manufacturing and help cut emissions from one of the hardest parts of the global economy to decarbonise.”

Iron and steel production is one of the largest industrial sources of emissions, as conventional ironmaking typically uses coal and other carbon-based materials to convert iron ore into iron.

Element Zero’s project will test whether an alternative process — electrochemical ironmaking, which is powered by electricity and uses molten salts — could produce lower-emissions iron efficiently without relying on coal.

The pilot will test a process designed to operate at around 400–450°C, lower than temperatures typically used in traditional ironmaking.

“Ironmaking is one of the most emissions-intensive parts of steel production, which is why investing in cleaner ways to make iron is such an important opportunity for Australian industry, particularly here in Western Australia,” said Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson.

The project will be delivered in two stages. The first stage will involve a pilot plant capable of producing around one tonne of iron per day. Subject to a formal review, the second stage will scale production up to 10 tonnes per day.

The pilot will test different types of Australian iron ore, including hematite-goethite, and help demonstrate the technology’s potential to Australian and international steelmakers.

“Australia’s iron ore industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, and projects like this are helping position it for the future by developing new ways to turn our world-class resources into higher-value products here in Australia,” said Minister for Resources Madeleine King.

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