Rio Tinto Partners with GravitHy for Green Steelmaking Revolution in Europe
Key Ideas
- Rio Tinto collaborates with GravitHy to supply high-grade iron ore pellets for ultra-low carbon Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) production, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by over 90%.
- GravitHy's proposed iron production facility in Fos-sur-Mer, France, with hydrogen production infrastructure, is designated as a national interest project by the French government.
- The partnership aligns with Rio Tinto's steel decarbonisation strategy, aiming to develop low-carbon steelmaking processes and reduce Scope 3 emissions.
- The initiative represents a crucial step in the transition to net-zero energy by addressing the significant carbon emissions from iron and steel production globally.
Rio Tinto has signed agreements with GravitHy to support the decarbonisation of steelmaking in Europe. The collaboration involves Rio Tinto supplying high-grade direct reduction iron ore pellets to GravitHy's planned operation in Fos-sur-Mer, France. GravitHy aims to produce ultra-low carbon Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) by utilizing hydrogen production infrastructure powered by nuclear energy, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from ironmaking by more than 90%. This project, recognized as a project of major national interest by the French government, is expected to commence operations in 2028 and play a vital role in the net-zero energy transition. By combining Rio Tinto's mining expertise with GravitHy's advanced iron production technology, the partnership seeks to accelerate the development of low-carbon steelmaking processes. The initiative not only contributes to reducing global carbon emissions from the steel industry but also signifies a strategic shift towards sustainable industrial practices. Both companies are enthusiastic about the prospects of green iron and steel production and are committed to leveraging their capabilities to drive innovation and environmental sustainability in the sector.