Joint media release: $26 million boost for cleaner Australian-made iron technology
$26 million for technology that provides a pathway for Pilbara ore in lower-emissions iron production. The Government is supporting Perth-based Element Zero with funding 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 electricochemical process.
Element Zero’s $53.7 million project could help Australia capture more value from its world-class iron ore resources, build specialist skills and strengthen Australian industrial supply chains. Iron and steel production is one of the world's 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 to 450°C, significantly lower than temperatures typically used in traditional ironmaking.
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. This investment is part of ARENA’s efforts to build a portfolio of projects, also including hydrogen-based approaches, aimed at unlocking viable pathways for producing green iron at scale.
Green metals is a key priority under the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, helping Australia leverage our world-class iron ore resources, and industrial capability to make more things here, capture more value from our resources, and secure new opportunities as global demand for lower-emissions industrial products grows. Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: “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.
“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.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Madeleine King: “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.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres: “This project is exactly what Future Made in Australia is about: turning Australian resources and Australian innovation into new industrial opportunities.
“This investment helps to develop new ways to turn more of our iron ore into higher-value products here at home, creating jobs, capability and economic resilience in the process.” Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson: “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.” Quotes attributable to Member for Cowan, Anne Aly: “Western Australia has powered our economy for generations, and projects like this are about making sure we’re also at the forefront of the industries and jobs of the future.
“Backing WA companies to develop new technologies means more opportunities to turn our world-class resources into higher-value products right here at home.” We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.