Vale, Port of Açu to develop a green steel Mega Hub

As informed, the Mega Hub will initially receive pellets from Vale and could, in the future, include an iron ore briquette plant at site to supply the direct reduction route at the industrial complex.

It is a initiative that considers a technical study coordinated by the Port of Açu and sectorial academics which proposes the use of HBI as partial burden in blast-furnaces, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing steelmaking productivity without needing to substitute existing assets, such as the blast-furnaces and steelworks. Currently, HBI is mostly used in electric arc furnaces. Using HBI in this type of furnace will enable a smoother decarbonization process for the Brazilian steelmaking industry.

The agreement with the Port of Açu marks another step in the development of Mega Hubs in Brazil. Mega Hubs are industrial complexes designed to produce low-carbon steel products and Vale has already begun implanting such hubs in three countries in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman).

We believe that the Port of Açu, with its unique port infrastructure in the country, strategic location and potential for the most competitive Brazilian natural gas prices, brings together unique characteristics to, together with Vale, contribute to the decarbonization of the domestic and international steel industry.

..says José Firmo, CEO of the Port of Açu.

Brazil is one of the most important iron ore and steel producers in the world and Vale is a leading player in this market. The use of HBI in blast furnaces can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 25%, with even greater potential reductions along the chain, which would put the industry in line with the goals of reducing emissions by 2030.

…said Albano Vieira, consultant for steel and mining issues at Prumo, the holding company that develops the Port of Açu.