Magnetite Mines, Aurizon, Flinders Port Holdings and GHD are members of a new consortium, Green Iron SA, which is working to position South Australia as a global leader in the low-carbon steel supply chain.
Green Iron SA aims to harness the vast untapped potential of South Australia’s Braemar Iron Region with the state’s world-leading renewable energy capacity to accelerate the establishment of a green iron industry in South Australia. These natural comparative advantages have created the generational opportunity to establish a significant new green iron export industry in Australia to meet the steel decarbonising needs of Australia’s key trading partners.
Green Iron SA is proposing a phased development pathway, which will enable the necessary foundations to be laid to ensure the sustainable creation of a green iron industry in the state.
The consortium’s project starts by fast-tracking the development of the Razorback Iron Ore Project, creating a secure supply of high-purity magnetite – a feedstock critical to the production of green iron. The project then progresses to the production of direct reduction (DR) grade pellets and, ultimately, manufacturing and exporting direct reduced iron (DRI) in the form of hot briquetted iron (HBI) from the established industrial city of Port Pirie by the early 2030s.
By using natural gas and green hydrogen when available, Green Iron SA is seeking to address the urgent need to significantly reduce carbon emissions in global steel production and, in doing so, deliver substantial economic benefits to the Upper Spencer Gulf region, including long-term job creation and community revitalisation.
To realise its vision, Green Iron SA calls for government collaboration to remove key infrastructure barriers – particularly in water, power, and logistics – to unlock the full potential of the Braemar Iron Region.
Tim Dobson, Managing Director, Magnetite Mines Managing Director, Tim Dobson said it’s time for South Australia to take advantage of its massive magnetite endowment.
“With six billion tonnes of magnetite resources ready to mine, Magnetite Mines is excited to take this important step toward building a world-class green iron industry in South Australia.”
Mr Dobson said the Razorback Iron Ore Project will play a pivotal role in supplying the high-grade feedstock necessary for green iron production. Green iron is set to become a key export commodity, supporting the balance of trade as Australia transitions away from fossil fuel exports.
“This project not only aligns with global decarbonisation goals but also positions South Australia as a leader in sustainable mining and green iron production.”
Head of Customers and Growth at Aurizon Holdings, David Steele, said, “Opening up the Braemar requires an integrated logistics solution that can move vast quantities of iron ore efficiently and sustainably.
“Aurizon is supporting the development of a project critical to addressing the challenge facing the steel sector’s carbon emissions by providing the rail and freight infrastructure that will make South Australia’s green iron industry globally competitive.”
Flinders Port Holdings (FPH) Chief Executive Officer, Stewart Lammin, said the Port Pirie precinct offers a unique opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art export hub.
“By leveraging existing infrastructure, we can fast-track the transition to a green iron industry and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region. FPH is ready to facilitate the export of green iron products to global markets, showcasing South Australia’s leadership in sustainable development.”
Executive Leader – Resources and Energy at GHD, Mike Nolan, said, “GHD is delighted to bring our engineering and sustainability expertise to the Green Iron SA consortium.
“The use of green hydrogen and renewable energy for steel production has enormous potential in reducing carbon emissions, and we’re excited by the prospect of establishing new standards for the global iron and steel industry.”
Green Iron SA has commenced discussions with the South Australian and Federal Governments to secure the necessary partnerships and infrastructure required to enable its role in establishing an Australian green iron industry at pace.
