Fortescue Launches Major Green Metal Initiative in Pilbara

Fortescue, a leading mining company, said that it has started a work to build a green metal supply chain at its Green Metal Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

According to company, it is a venture with an investment of AUD$75 million and aims to revolutionize metal production by introducing more sustainable practices.

The objective of the project is to produce over 1,500 tonnes of green metal annually, with the first production expected to begin in 2025. This green metal will be produced using green hydrogen and an electric smelting furnace. Fortescue’s green hydrogen, which is generated at its hydrogen facility—the largest of its kind in Australia—will play a crucial role in this process.

The facility produces both gaseous and liquid hydrogen, which will be used to achieve high-purity metal. This eco-friendly metal will be suitable for use in steel plants around the world, aligning with global environmental goals.

According to various media reports, the formal announcement was made in a ceremony attended by Fortescue’s executive chairman, Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, and the company’s CEO, Dino Otranto.

 He said that the significance of this initiative in transforming the iron and steel industry, which traditionally contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. By overhauling the entire production process, Fortescue aims to create a greener and more sustainable industry in Australia.

“Iron and steel are the backbone of our infrastructure, however traditional iron and steel production processes are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. By rethinking the entire iron and steel value chain we can produce an entirely new, green industry here in Australia,” Dr Forrest said.

“Today’s milestone is the culmination of bringing together green sustainable mining, large-scale renewable power and green hydrogen to produce green metal. Right now, we have a once in a generation opportunity to build a green supply chain, and Fortescue is wasting no time to seize it.”

The Green Metal Project is not only about producing green metal but also involves integrating various innovative technologies. Fortescue’s newly commissioned green hydrogen plant is a key component of this initiative.

This plant produces approximately 530 kilograms of hydrogen gas daily, which translates to around 195 tonnes per year. The plant is partially powered by solar energy, and it includes a hydrogen refueling station.

This station supports a fleet of 10 fuel cell electric vehicles, demonstrating Fortescue’s commitment to reducing emissions across its operations. The hydrogen refueling station was funded with the help of a $2 million grant from the WA Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Fund.

The Green Energy Hub, where the Green Metal Project is located, also houses several other advanced facilities. It includes a hydrogen liquefaction plant, which handles the storage and refueling of liquid hydrogen. The hub is also home to Fortescue’s prototypes for zero-emission technologies, such as the Offboard Power Unit and a hydrogen-powered haul truck that has recently arrived at Christmas Creek. Additionally, the hub features a prototype battery electric haul truck and a 3MW fast charger.