The partnership will
feature $282.8 million in funding from the DOE for the development.
A huge deal between the U.S.
Department of Energy and a Brazilian mining company could help to make steel
production more environmentally friendly.
The partnership between Vale and
the DOE will feature $282.8 million in funding from the latter for the
development of an iron ore briquette plant.
While it's not clear where in the
United States the factory will be built, the method is expected to reduce
pollution by 10% when compared to common steelmaking.
As Benzinga detailed,
iron ore briquettes are made from "low-temperature agglomeration of
high-quality iron ore" and offer a more sustainable option when compared
to processes that make use of sinters, pellets, and granules.
Executive vice president of Vale
Marcello Spinelli believes the briquettes can "revolutionize steel
production."
"The decarbonization of the
steel industry will take place in stages," Spinelli said, per Benzinga.
"In the first, our clients are looking for ways to increase operational
efficiency in the blast furnace route, reducing energy expenditure and,
consequently, reducing CO2 emissions. At this stage, the briquette already
makes a difference."