Category: Iron and Steel Industry

A new way to decarbonise steel making

A new process could offer a solution to reducing carbon emissions in iron and steel making.

BioIron™ uses raw, sustainable biomass and microwave energy instead of coal to convert Pilbara iron ore to iron in the steelmaking process. BioIron has the potential to be carbon neutral and can result in net negative emissions when linked with carbon capture and storage.

We have proven the process works using a small-scale pilot plant, and now we’re planning to test it on a larger scale.

Why is low-carbon steel important?

Making steel – the process of converting iron ore into iron and iron into steel – uses a lot of energy. Because of this – and the fact it’s used in so many things – steel making is responsible for around 8% of all global emissions. 

Most of these emissions are created during the industrial process transforming iron ore – the raw material – into metal. Decarbonising the way iron (and therefore steel) is made could make a significant contribution to reducing global emissions. 

We worked with experts from the University of Nottingham, England and Metso Outotec, a specialist in sustainable technologies, to prove BioIron works on a small scale, and now we’re scaling it up to a continuous pilot plant with a capacity of one tonne per hour.

Rio and Metso strengthen BioIron partnership

Metso has been awarded a detailed design and engineering contract from Rio Tinto for its continuous pilot plant (CPP) on behalf of the BioIron process.

The BioIron process uses raw biomass instead of metallurgical coal as a reductant and microwave energy to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process.

According to Rio Tinto, it has the potential to be carbon neutral and can result in net negative emissions when linked with carbon capture and storage.

The new contract awarded to Metso from Rio Tinto serves as an extension of the work both companies have been doing together on the development of the BioIron process since December 2022.

Rio Tinto proved the effectiveness of the process using ores from its mines in Australia in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany after testing by Rio Tinto, Metso and the University of Nottingham’s Microwave Process Engineering Group was conducted for 18 months.

Through this new contract, Rio Tinto aims to move further towards the full-scale implementation of the BioIron technology through the CPP operation, and Metso will deliver the detailed design of the CPP’s reduction furnace and other equipment for the BioIron process.

Rio Tinto general manager of steel decarbonisation David Leigh said this is an important step in developing the BioIron technology.

“This work is the key next step in the development of the BioIron technology and builds on the success of the research and development team,” Leigh said.

Metso director of ferrous metals Matthias Gabriel echoed similar sentiments.

“We are very excited to continue the close working relationship with Rio Tinto and to provide engineering and design support as we move to the next phase of development of the BioIron technology,” Gabriel said.

WA Government releases green steel report

OLIVIA THOMSON

The Western Australian (WA) Government has released a new report which details the State’s potential to join the rapidly growing global green steelmaking value chain.

(The report is available via the MRIWA website at: https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/minerals-research-advancing-western-australia/focus-areas/green-steel/ )

The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) said that the State has played a central role in the growth of the global steel industry for over 60 years.

“Steelmaking is a very energy intense process resulting in the global steel industry being one of the largest carbon emitters in the world… it is important to understand the significant challenges steelmakers are facing to reduce emissions in their operations,” the MRIWA said.

As a response to this issue, the MRIWA and the WA Government created the Western Australia’s Green Steel Opportunity report. It maps five ways in which WA iron ore can be used to reduce emissions from steelmaking.

The report considers the size and scale of the capital requirements and infrastructure needed for these pathways, and it identifies the State’s access to natural gas and renewable energy resources as key to supporting emissions reductions in steelmaking.

WA Premier Roger Cook said the report will help position the State as an investment destination for low-emissions steel opportunities.

“Our State’s abundant renewable energy resources alongside our world-leading iron ore industry puts WA front and centre in the global push towards green steel. Moving up the green steel value chain will diversify our economy and create more local jobs right across the State,” Cook said.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the State Government has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the steel industry in its decarbonisation efforts and opportunities.

“The transition option of using natural gas has the potential to reduce emissions from iron making by 65 per cent and is technically feasible today. This information can be used to support investment attraction into Western Australia,” Johnston said.

Rio Tinto, China Baowu work to decarbonise steel

ALEXANDRA EASTWOOD

Rio Tinto has commended the Federal Government’s emissions-reduction policy for providing support to heavy industry.

Major miner Rio Tinto has joined forces with steelmaker China Baowu to explore ways to decarbonise the steel value chain in China and Australia.

Under a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies will advance specific decarbonisation projects including:

  • Researching, building and demonstrating a pilot-scale electric melter, enabling low-carbon steel making
  • Optimising pelletisation technology for low-carbon shaft furnace-based direct reduction
  • Expanding China Baowu’s HyCROF technology, which can mitigate CO2 emissions
  • Jointly studying opportunities for the production of low-carbon iron in WA.

The MoU was signed in Shanghai by Rio Tinto chief commercial officer Alf Barrios and China Baowu vice president Hou Angui.

“Rio Tinto and China Baowu are united in a commitment to accelerating the delivery of low-carbon solutions for the entire steel value chain,” Barrios said.

“This MoU aims to address one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry – developing a low-carbon pathway for low-to-medium grade iron ores, which account for the vast majority of global iron ore supply.

“China’s commitment to curbing emissions and promoting high-quality green development is strongly aligned with our own position where climate change and the low-carbon transition are at the heart of our strategy.”

Rio chief executive of iron ore Simon Trott said the company is proud of its 40-year relationship with China Baowu.

“We look forward to progressing this study into the potential of low-carbon iron making in Western Australia as we work to ensure a positive future for Pilbara ores in a green steel world,” Trott said.

China Baowu said the company is committed to working with Rio Tinto now and into the future.

“With the mission of building an industrial ecosystem to promote the progress of human civilisation, China Baowu is committed to working with Rio Tinto to jointly study and provide low-carbon and green comprehensive solutions for the steel value chain, help the low-carbon transformation and upgrade of the steel industry chain, and support the world to address the challenge of climate change with pragmatic actions,” the company said.

Illawarra steel gets a boost

OLIVIA THOMSON

Port Kembla

The Federal Government has announced the planning approval for a $182 million upgrade of three berths at Port Kembla, located in the Illawarra region in New South Wales.

The upgrade will help to guarantee the supply of Illawarra steel for new homes, schools, hospitals, and transport infrastructure.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the upgrade will help rebuild the domestic manufacturing industry in NSW and will support more than 14,500 jobs.

“Our construction industry is the largest user of Port Kembla’s steel, using more than 70 per cent of the site’s total output,” Scully said.

The Federal Minister added that the approval provides more capacity to import coking coal for steelmaking and keep production flowing when local coal supplies are scaled back from 2028.

“It’s an investment in jobs, training, and the Illawarra community, but importantly it’s a vote of confidence in NSW manufacturing and construction, providing the locally sourced steel they need to build the homes, hospitals, and transport infrastructure NSW needs,” Scully said.

Minister for Illawarra Ryan Park said the revamp of the three berths will lead to more local steel being used for major NSW Government projects, supporting thousands of local jobs.

“Illawarra steel contributes around $10.3 billion to the NSW economy each year, and this decision secures the continued direct employment of around 4500 people, together with another 10,000 people in the supply chain,” Park said.

BlueScope Australian chief executive Tania Archibald said the planning approval demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to secure the future of steelmaking in Australia.

“BlueScope operates five berths at Port Kembla to import a range of raw materials such as iron ore, coal, limestone, recycled steel scrap, and export steel products to customers, and the continued supply of these raw materials is critical to the operations of the steelworks,” Archibald said.

“This infrastructure upgrade represents a significant investment to secure the asset for the long-term whilst supporting future technology options for low-emissions steelmaking.”

BlueScope

钢铁制造商BlueScope大幅上调盈利指导 股价走强

2023-04-24 10:31:12 (AET) by Edward Zhang   1715

钢铁制造商 BlueScope（ASX：BSL）预计，23财年下半年的基本息税前利润（EBIT）将在7亿至7.7亿澳元之间。这高于此前4.8亿至5.5亿澳元的指导范围。

【澳股资讯平台 – 61 Financial 4月24日讯】钢铁制造商 BlueScope（ASX：BSL）周一发布公告，提供了最新的盈利指导。

BlueScope目前预计，23财年下半年的基本息税前利润（EBIT）将在7亿至7.7亿澳元之间。这高于此前4.8亿至5.5亿澳元的指导范围。

根据更新，本次推动前景改善的其他因素包括：

  • 北美涂层产品业务（Steelscape和ASC Profiles），由于美国钢材价格上涨对实现利润率产生了有利影响；和
  • 澳大利亚钢铁产品，实现销售价格强于此前预期。该部门预计，与2023财年上半年相比，国内发货量将继续保持相似。
  • 其他业务部门的表现预计将符合BlueScope于2023年2月发布的23财年上半年业绩指引，包括BlueScope房地产部门对下半年项目预期实现的适度贡献。

公司指出，修订后的指导将根据价差、外汇和市场情况而定。BlueScope截至2023年6月30日的年度财务业绩将于2023年8月21日发布。

公司总经理兼首席执行官Mark Vassella表示：“23财年下半年的前景改善令人高兴，这归功于我们员工的持续关注和奉献精神以及客户的忠诚。虽然我们能够从价格和价差的改善中受益，特别是在美国，但前景的改善也表明了运营多样化高质量资产组合的实力和弹性。”

公司股价一年走势回顾：

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公司公告BlueScope increases 2H FY2023 earnings guidance

BlueScope

脱水研报 – 钢材公司 BlueScope

2021-10-22 02:59:15 (AET) by Teris REN   315

美国9月新屋开工数下降，9月份住宅开工数下降1.6%。高昂的材料成本，不可预测的供应链延期以及劳动力短缺，使得建筑商在近几个月难以满足仍然强劲的住房需求。而本月底，美国众议院或就此前参议院通过的5500亿美元的基础设施法案进行投票。应 61 Financial VIP 用户的要求，本周的研究报告分析了钢材公司 BlueScope （ASX：BSL）。

美国9月新屋开工数下降，9月份住宅开工数下降1.6%至折合年率156万套。9月份建筑许可下跌7.7%至折合年率159万套。高昂的材料成本，不可预测的供应链延期以及劳动力短缺，使得建筑商在近几个月难以满足仍然强劲的住房需求。此外，本月底，美国众议院或就此前参议院通过的5500亿美元的基础设施法案进行投票。应 61 Financial VIP 用户的要求，本周的研究报告分析了 钢材公司 BlueScope （ASX：BSL）

【1. 公司介绍：】

钢材公司 BlueScope Steel Ltd （ASX：BSL） 是一家生产和销售涂层钢材产品的公司,其产品包括高附加值的金属涂层产品、热轧卷板、冷轧卷板、钢板和管材等。公司在中国、印度、印度尼西亚、泰国、越南、马来西亚和北美均拥有金属涂层和钢建筑产品业务。公司的产品多应用在建筑业、工程项目、制造业、农业、采矿业、以及汽车制造行业中。此外，公司还为亚洲的住宅和非住宅建筑行业以及北美的非住宅建筑行业提供其服务。BlueScope Steel公司的总部设在澳大利亚维多利亚州的墨尔本。

BlueScope Steel早前是BHP Billiton Limited的全资子公司，通过分拆BHP Billiton Ltd的钢板和涂层产品业务而成立，并于2002年7月上市，隔年公司从BHP Steel更名为BlueScope Steel。公司股权比较集中，在截止21财年末的前三大股东分别为汇丰银行，J P摩根与花旗集团，持股比例总共超过72%。

根据公司财报，公司的全部业务被划分为5个部门，即澳大利亚钢材产品部门、North Star BlueScope公司、亚洲和北美建筑产品部门、北美建筑部门、以及新西兰和太平洋业务部门。在截至2021财政年度末，BlueScope Steel拥有106家控股公司遍布世界各地。

（1）澳大利亚钢材产品部门（ASP）：该部门在大约100个运营地点雇用了约6000名员工，业务包括大型制造厂、轧制设施、以及遍布澳大利亚的分销中心。该部门专门从事扁钢产品的生产与销售，包括热轧板卷、冷轧板卷、中厚板、涂层钢材等。其位于新南威尔士州Illawarra地区的Kembla钢铁厂是澳大利亚最大的钢铁生产设施，其粗钢年产量超过300万吨。

该部门在2021财年的收入为58.485亿澳元，占公司2021财年总收入的43.8%，同比上涨8%；其2021财年的息税前利润为6.743亿澳元，同比增长121%。收入增长主要由销量增加与国际钢价上涨所推动。

（2）North Star BlueScope 公司：该公司于1996年在美国俄亥俄州成立，是北美最高效的钢厂之一。公司的双电弧炉每年利用废金属、生铁和合金生产约200万吨的热轧卷。公司大约90%的产品在美国中西部地区销售，其终端客户群组大致为50%的汽车制造商、35%的建筑公司、10%的制造公司、以及5%的农业公司。

该部门在2021财年的收入为23.777亿澳元，占公司2021财年总收入的17.8%，同比上涨39%；其2021财年的息税前利润为6.745亿澳元，同比增长259%。收入的增长主要因为美国中西部热轧卷板基准价格创下新高，使实际销售价格大幅提升。

（3）亚洲和北美建筑产品部门：该部门主要负责泰国、印度尼西亚、越南、马来西亚、印度、中国和北美地区的涂层钢材和钢结构产品业务。其产品主要应用于亚洲的住宅和非住宅建筑行业，以及北美的非住宅建筑行业。此外，该部门还运营两家合营企业 — 在东盟和北美与Nippon Steel Corporation公司的合营企业（占50%股权），以及在印度与Tata钢铁公司的合营企业（占50%股权）。

该部门在2021财年的收入为31.256亿澳元，占公司2021财年总收入的23.4%，同比上涨13%；其2021财年的息税前利润为3.282亿澳元，同比增长122%。收入增长主要由销量增加与区域性钢材产品价格上涨所推动。

（4）北美建筑部门（BNA）：该部门为北美客户的低层非住宅建筑需求提供服务。BNA与其客户合作，提供完整的定制化钢结构建筑解决方案，包括设计和制造。此外，BNA还生产和销售钢制框架和钢结构建筑部件，以及负责运营地产公司 -BlueScope Properties Group。

该部门在2021财年的收入为10.987亿澳元，占公司2021财年总收入的8%，同比下降2%；其2021财年的息税前利润为1.123亿澳元，同比增长6339%（去年同期为亏损180万澳元）。部门产品销售价格的增长被澳元兑美元的不利汇率变动所抵消。

（5）新西兰和太平洋业务部门（NZPI）：该部门业务包括Waikato North Head矿、新西兰钢铁公司、太平洋钢铁公司、以及太平洋群岛业务。新西兰钢铁公司是新西兰唯一一家一体化的钢铁生产商，公司使用当地的铁砂，每年生产约67万吨的钢坯。NZPI生产一系列供国内和出口使用的扁钢和长钢产品，拥有约2000名员工。

该部门在2021财年的收入为8.943亿澳元，占公司2021财年总收入的7%，同比增长13%；其2021财年的息税前利润为1.384亿澳元，同比增长167%。收入增长主要由销量增加与国际钢铁价格上涨所推动。

【2. 公司分析：】

【2.1 BlueScope Steel Ltd （ASX：BSL） 的公司看点：】

公司看点（1）：BlueScope在21财年末时，其订单和发货量均保持强势。北美的现货钢价也高于2021财政年度下半年和长期的平均水平。因此，公司当时预计，22财年上半年的基准息税前利润将在18亿至20亿澳元之间。公司本周发布公告提升了该预期，即22财年上半年的基准息税前利润预计在21亿至23亿澳元之间。其中，North Star BlueScope公司的业绩提升最为明显。此外，澳大利亚钢材产品部门的产量也有所增加，尤其是高附加值产品的增长，出口焦炭的贡献也超过了预期，以及北美涂层产品需求持续旺盛。

后面详细分析了该公司的其它看点，并提供了财务比率、目标价区间、业绩预测、以及投资建议。

Iron ore stars in June export figures: ABS

export

Australian exports have been upheld by metalliferous ores in June, with the category showing an 8 per cent increase and a fourth consecutive record month.

Head of International Statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Andrew Tomadini said overall exports experienced a similar jump.

“June 2021 recorded a monthly export value above $40 billion. Exports increased 8 per cent to $41.3 billion, with significant increases in metalliferous ores, coal, non-monetary gold and gas,” Tomadini said.

Metalliferous ores made up almost half of Australia’s export value in June at $20.49 billion, with iron ore up 6 per cent to represent most of that figure ($17.55 billion).

Coal saw its highest export value since April 2020, with $555 million making up 15 per cent of the country’s total export value.

The $40 billion total exports easily qualify the record $310 billion predicted for the 2020-21 financial year by the Resources and Energy June Quarterly.

“Supply chains disrupted by China’s informal import restrictions have largely reorganised, albeit with some loss of revenue,” the Quarterly stated.

China received $19.12 billion worth of Australian exports in June 2021, with record iron ore movement providing a strong backbone – up $1 billion (7 per cent on June 2020) to $14.89 billion.

In June, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt acknowledged the importance of Australia’s resources sector in strengthening the Australian economy.

“These incredible results underline the importance of Australia’s resources sector to the national economy and international markets throughout the COVID-19 downturn,” he said in response to the Quarterly.

“Australia’s energy and resources sector has remained safe and reliable suppliers to domestic and global markets throughout the pandemic, helping to underpin economic growth and overcome the challenging trade conditions of the past year.”

彩涂钢材产品供应商 BlueScope 提高业绩预期，股价早盘高开


金属电镀和彩涂钢材产品供应商 BlueScope （ASX：BSL）周二发布公告称，BlueScope目前预计，2021财年下半年的息税前利润将在10亿至10.8亿澳元之间。高于之前7.5亿至8.3亿澳元的指导范围，但仍需取决于期间的外汇汇率和市场条件的变化。

BlueScope的董事总经理兼首席执行官Mark Vassella 说：”公司业务发展得越来越好，受益于强劲的产品利差、价格和需求的增长。BlueScope的所有团队在努力满足客户的特殊需求方面做得非常出色。”

“公司业绩也继续证明了我们业务模式的独特优势和价值。BlueScope是一家非常与众不同的钢铁公司，在利用新兴趋势方面处于令人信服的地位，例如对低密度和区域性住房以及电子商务和物流基础设施的需求。”

公司称，提高业绩预期的主要驱动力来自美国的North Star业务。自2月份提供业绩展望以来，中西部基准热轧卷钢价格强劲上涨–每公吨上涨约250美元。澳大利亚钢铁产品公司也受益于国内和出口钢材利差的改善。

此外，公司的扩建项目仍在进行中，新工厂将在2022财政年度的下半年投入使用。国内发货量目前超过了我们的预期–特别是在建筑和施工领域的高附加值产品。建筑产品部门目前预计将比2021财政年度上半年的收益有所改善，主要是由于北美涂层业务的利润率在钢价快速上涨的推动下有所加强。东盟业务的盈利也好于先前的预期，因为高于预期的钢材价格对利润率产生了有利的影响。

BlueScope钢铁有限公司是油漆和涂层钢材产品的制造商和分销商。其产品包括增值的金属涂层和油漆产品，热轧卷，冷轧卷，钢板以及管材。它在中国，印度，印度尼西亚，泰国，越南，马来西亚和北美拥有覆盖广泛的金属涂料，油漆和钢铁建筑产品业务。它为建筑，建筑，制造，汽车和运输，农业和采矿业的客户提供服务。该公司为整个亚洲的住宅和非住宅建筑业以及北美的非住宅建筑业提供服务。BlueScope 钢铁公司总部位于澳大利亚维多利亚。

公司截至2020年6月的2020财政年度的收入为113.242亿澳元，比2019财政年度减少9.9%。在2020财年，该公司的营业利润率为2.3%，而2019财年的营业利润率为10.2%。在2020财年，该公司的净利润率为0.9%，而2019财年的净利润率为8.1%。

公司股价早盘高开，截止发稿前，股价上涨1.93% 至22.475澳元。

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公司公告 BlueScope increases earnings guidance to $1.0Bn to $1.08Bn for 2H FY2021

Massive steel plant plans for SA

INSIDE CONSTRUCTIONJanuary 8, 2019, 9:28 am 150

CFG Alliance is planning to construct a steel plant in Whyalla, South Australia, which will be the largest in the western world, according to company chairman Sanjeev Gupta.

Gupta announced the new project, Next-Gen Steel, alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison and leader of the opposition Bill Shorten at a press conference in Whyalla on December last year.

“This is the turnaround state, and this is the comeback city in Australia when we’re talking about Whyalla,” Morrison said.

The project will create a new steel plant for Whyalla capable of producing 10 million tonnes a year.

Gupta also announced that the existing Whyalla steelworks would also be transformed through a $600 million investment into a 1.8 million tonnes a year steel producer.

GFG Alliance purchased the steelworks in 2017, saving hundreds of jobs in the process.

The company signed two contracts with Danieli and CISDI Engineering for the development of rail and structural heavy section mill and a pulverised coal injection (PCI) plant respectively over the next three years at Whyalla.

“The transformation will vastly improve the operations, financial and environmental performance of the operations, paving the way for Whyalla to become an enticing, global hub for innovative industry,” Gupta said.

The creation of the new next-gen steel operation with a capacity of 10 million tonnes a year (and the infrastructure to eventually double that capacity) and the upgrades to the current Whyalla operation is expected to increase the town’s population fourfold to around 80,000.

“This is a major boost for our long-term outlook and gives Whyalla City Council and other industries and businesses more confidence to be able to plan for the future,” said Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla mayor.

“The plant will also have state-of-the-art environmental controls, which is yet another positive for the community on top of the financial investment and job creation.”

STEEL MANUFACTURING BOOMING IN VICTORIA

BlueScope, Australia’s largest steel manufacturer, has created more than 100 jobs at its Western Port plant over the last 12 months on the back of Victoria’s record infrastructure pipeline and its booming construction industry.

Visiting the company’s massive steel plant at Hastings, the state minister for industry and employment Ben Carroll said the Victorian government’s local steel requirements for major infrastructure projects gave the previously dormant steel manufacturing industry a new lease of life.

“Victorian manufacturing is booming – it’s creating jobs and supporting local businesses – including BlueScope,” the Minister said.

“BlueScope’s success reflects the resurgence in Victorian manufacturing which has seen 17 consecutive months of growth.”

BlueScope Steel Western Port Manager Jim Graham said demand for BlueScope’s coated and painted steel products is soaring, with the company set to export close to 10,000 tonnes of steel directly to the United States from the Port of Hastings.

“BlueScope is very pleased with the support the Victorian government has provided to the steel supply chain in Victoria, including through its use of Australian-made steel in major road and rail infrastructure projects,” Grahamsaid.

“Strong demand for BlueScope’s steel products in both domestic and export markets has seen a resurgence in production and employment at our Western Port plant.”