The steelmaking industry has moved one step closer to carbon dioxide reduction targets following Vale SA (NYSE: VALE) successfully testing a new form of iron ore briquette which releases 80% less CO2 in the manufacture process, in relation to iron pellets.
The company stated on 02 May 2023 that the iron ore briquette has been adapted for a direct reduction process, which will contribute to steel production decarbonization and support the industry’s efforts to meet emission reduction targets worldwide.
The new briquette type emits about 80% less CO2 compared to iron ore pellets, and its use will help reduce Vale’s direct Scope 1 emissions and indirect Scope 2 emissions.
Studies show that that 2t of CO2 are emitted for every metric ton of steel produced in the blast furnace, with carbon emissions dropping to between 0.3t to 1t when using the direct reduction process.
Direct reduction of iron is the elimination of oxygen from iron bearing materials without melting it, as in the blast furnace, which is one of the most carbon dioxide intensive processes in the steelmaking process. Instead, direct reduction uses natural gas instead of coke derived from coal, therefore emitting less carbon and other greenhouse gases.
“With the development of this new type of briquette, Vale is taking another important step in its contribution to reducing emissions from the steelmaking chain through innovation, always in close collaboration with its clients and development partners.” explains Rogério Nogueira, Vale’s director of product and business development.
