A collaborative effort by Primetals Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation, Rio Tinto, and voestalpine in Linz, Austria, aims to revolutionize ironmaking processes with a focus on achieving net-zero CO2 emissions. The project is centered around the development of a groundbreaking plant that will utilize Hydrogen-based Fine-Ore Reduction (HYFOR) and Smelter technology. This plant is expected to have a substantial capacity, capable of producing three tons of hot metal per hour, with operations scheduled to commence in mid-2027. The initiative is receiving financial support from various sources, including the Austrian federal government's 'Transformation of Industry' program, the 'Twin Transition' initiative, the European Union Research Fund for Coal and Steel, and the European Union Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Notably, Rio Tinto will contribute 70% of the iron ore required for the plant from its global operations. The use of HYFOR technology, which eliminates the need for ore agglomeration, has already been piloted successfully by Primetals Technologies at voestalpine’s Donawitz site. The smelter component of the plant will leverage renewable energy to melt and reduce direct reduced iron, potentially leading to hot metal production with net-zero CO2 emissions. Voestalpine plans to further enhance its environmental credentials by utilizing green hydrogen for steel production, with a goal of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 30% by 2029 through its greentec steel program. This ambitious project represents a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly steel production in the region.