Rio Tinto and Shougang Group explore steel decarbonisation

(Posted on 25/09/22)

Rio Tinto and Shougang Group, one of the world’s top 10 steel producers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote research, design and implementation of low-carbon solutions for the steel value chain. The MoU’s focus areas include low-carbon sintering technology, blast furnace (BF) and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) optimisation, and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU).

This partnership with Shougang underlines Rio Tinto’s strategic commitment to partner with customers on steel decarbonisation pathways and to invest in technologies that could deliver reductions in steelmaking carbon intensity. Initial efforts will be focused on, but not limited to, BF slag heat recovery, BOF slag utilisation, CCU and low-carbon sintering technology.

The MoU builds on the nearly 30-year relationship between Rio Tinto and Shougang as trade and technical partners. The two companies will work together, leveraging their respective strengths in research and development, technologies, processes, equipment, logistics and industry coordination to support their shared objectives of limiting the impacts of global climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

Rio Tinto Chief Commercial Officer Alf Barrios said “Steel is a vital material for economic growth and low-carbon infrastructure. At Rio Tinto, we want to play a strong role as an industry partner to support the decarbonisation of steel. We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with Shougang to jointly work towards our shared vision of a ‘greener’ steel value chain.”

Wang Jianwei, Vice President of Shougang Group, said, “Green and low-carbon transition and upgrading is the only way for high-quality and sustainable development of the steel industry. The cooperation between Shougang Group and Rio Tinto Group to develop low-carbon generic technologies for the steel sector and explore decarbonization solutions is a positive move for both sides to cooperate and promote low-carbon technology innovation.”

Around 70 percent of global steel is produced using the BF-BOF route, according to the World Steel Association.

Latest News

Canadian tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium products enter into force

Tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminium products have entered into force following rigorous examination... Read more

Increased copper and iron ore production for BHP

BHP have released their operational review for the quarter ended 30 September 2024.BHP Chief Executive... Read more

Safety a priority as Rio Tinto releases Q3 production results

Rio Tinto is continuing to prioritise learning from safety incidents to improve the effectiveness of... Read more

IFA and Proba launch global programme for GHG emissions reduction

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) is partnering with supply chain decarbonization startup... Read more

Export Exchange 2024 wraps up as trade teams head across the USA

Export Exchange 2024, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels... Read more

MPA welcomes UK Government’s commitment to fund CCUS

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the Government’s pledge to fund the launch... Read more

Glencore’s Stephen Rowland elected Chair of ICA’s Board

The Board of Directors of the International Copper Association (ICA) has elected Stephen Rowland, Glencore... Read more

NGFA highlights ‘trifecta of transportation trouble’ for US agriculture

Potential disruptions to the nation’s shipping infrastructure could have a devastating effect... Read more

ADM adds non-GM capabilities in Hungary

ADM has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Vandamme Hungaria Kft and its related... Read more

Richard Holtum to become Trafigura CEO from 1 January 2025

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd has announced that Richard Holtum will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO)... Read more