LKAB to begin industrialization of fossil-free sponge iron plant in Gallivare

Brazil’s LKAB, along with Sweden-based SSAB and Vattenfall is planning to start industrialization of the world’s first fossil-free sponge iron production plant developed through HYBRIT technology in Gallivare, north Sweden. The first demonstration plant is expected to be ready in 2026, for the production of 1.3 mn t of fossil-free sponge iron. The demonstration plant will be integrated with iron pellet making and is part of LKAB’s transition plant. The goal is to expand sponge iron production to a full industrial scale of 2.7 mn t by 2030 to be apply to supply SSAB, among others, with feedstock for fossil-free steel.