The brief
- South Korea's largest steelmaker and top-5 globally. Operates integrated works in Pohang and Gwangyang.
- HyREX uses hydrogen to reduce iron ore, avoiding pelletising. Pohang demo (300 kt/yr) targets 2028.
- BHP signed partnership on Oct 30, 2025, to validate ore supply and advance development toward commercial scale.
Technical approach
Hydrogen Reduction
Hydrogen as reducing agent
Hydrogen gas reduces iron oxides at high temperature, replacing coal's carbon monoxide. Produces water vapour.
Fines Direct Use
No pelletising needed
Uses iron ore fines directly in fluidised beds, cutting energy and process steps that traditional mills require.
Electric Smelting
Arc furnace finishing
Direct reduced iron is smelted in an electric arc furnace, avoiding coal combustion and enabling renewable power.
Supply Chain
BHP partnership for ore
BHP's friable ore is suited to direct reduction. Partnership validates supply and secures long-term economics.
