IEEFA: Net-Zero Steel Will Require More High-Grade Iron Ore

The steel industry’s push to decrease CO2 emissions in steelmaking will require an increase in high-grade iron ore production and improved beneficiation techniques, according to a report from The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, not only will steelmakers need to switch production methods from coal-consuming blast furnaces (BF) to green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) processes, but a higher grade of iron ore is a must, the study found.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.