Brazilian miner Vale said on Tuesday (31) it has signed agreements with local authorities and clients to look at developing industrial complexes, or mega hubs, in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. These complexes will be focused on low-carbon steelmaking products such as hot briquetted iron (HBI) to supply both local and foreign markets. The company said the production of HBI using natural gas emits around 60% less CO2, when compared to pig iron production through the integrated BF-BOF route. In the future, the replacement of natural gas by hydrogen and the usage of renewable energy could eliminate CO2 emissions. Vale is expected to build and operate iron ore concentration and briquetting plants within the hubs, while local parties are seen building the required logistics infrastructure. Investors and clients would construct and operate the direct reduction iron plants and be off-takers of HBI for either the export or domestic markets.
Sources: Anba/Datamar News