Steel Mills

Cliffs Injects Hydrogen Into Middletown BF
May 8, 2023
Cleveland-Cliffs has successfully completed a hydrogen (H2) injection trial at its Middletown Works blast furnace in Ohio.
“This groundbreaking introduction of hydrogen gas as an iron-reducing agent in the blast furnace is the first-ever use of this carbon friendly technology in the Americas region,” the Cleveland-based steelmaker said in a statement on Monday.
Cliffs noted that the successful use of hydrogen gas “represents a significant step toward the future decarbonization of blast furnaces.”
The company said that during the trial completed on May 8, hydrogen gas was injected into all 20 tuyeres at the Middletown #3 blast furnace, which facilitated the production of clean pig iron.
“Hydrogen was used as a partial substitute for the coke necessary for iron reduction, ultimately replacing the release of CO2 with the release of H2O (water vapor) with no impact to product quality or operating efficiency,” Cliffs added.
Lourenco Goncalves, Cliffs’ chairman, president, and CEO, applauded the achievement.
“We are proud to be the first company in the Americas to inject hydrogen into a blast furnace – a demonstration of our commitment to develop and implement breakthrough technological advancements toward decarbonization,” he said.
By Ethan Bernard, ethan@steelmarketupdate.com
Latest in Steel Mills
Cliffs offloading some FPT assets, considering HBI plant sale as well
Lourenco Goncalves confirmed that Cleveland-Cliffs is actively selling off portions of its Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) assets. Its direct reduction plant in Toledo, Ohio, may also be up for grabs...
SSAB cites US strength but flags tariff-driven uncertainty
The Americas segment of Swedish steelmaker SSAB delivered a stable third quarter, but with weaker shipments and continuing cautious demand. Plate prices held, but tariffs, slowing end-user demand, and...
AHMSA drama deepens as drawn-out bankruptcy slowly progresses
A former CEO goes to court for swiping tin. An OEM distributor slams the bankruptcy trustee for failing workers and creditors. The steelmaker fires back. Angry employees demand back pay as tensions rise in Monclova's steel saga.
Cliffs aligns with US critical mineral policy, moves forward with DOE-funded projects
Cleveland-Cliffs is positioning itself as a key player in America’s push for industrial independence.
SDI execs tout progress on Mississippi biocarbon facility
SDI shipped the first product from its biocarbon facility in Columbus, Miss., in September as the project continues to accelerate.
