Australia’s two largest iron ore producers and its biggest steelmaker have partnered in their efforts to accelerate the decarbonisation of steelmaking by agreeing to jointly investigate the development of the country’s first ironmaking electric smelting furnace (ESF) pilot plant. Under a new framework agreement, Rio Tinto, BHP and BlueScope will consolidate the work each party has completed to date, leveraging both BHP’s and Rio Tinto’s deep knowledge of Pilbara iron ores with BlueScope’s unique operating experience in ESF technology. The collaboration provides a platform to develop and potentially invest in a pilot facility and aims to demonstrate that production of molten iron from Pilbara ores is feasible using renewable power when combined with Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) process technology. If successful, it could help open a potential pathway to near-zero greenhouse gas emission-intensity operations for steelmakers that rely on Australian iron ore to meet global steel demand.

Wayan Rahayudha is always smiling – just ask his teammates. But this week he has an extra big grin, having been awarded Driller of the Year by the International Society of Explosives Engineers. Nominated for the prestigious award by his team at South Flank for his drilling skills and experience, dedication to safety, rock solid work ethic, and infectious positive attitude to life, Wayan was surprised to hear that he had won the Australasian chapter category. “It’s a real honour, especially as I didn’t even know I had been nominated,” he says. “I’m lucky to be part of the South Flank family, my crew is great, really supportive, and we’re all learning, so we all help each other.”