The MIDREX Flex technology enables operation with varying proportions of natural gas and hydrogen and is designed for up to 100 percent hydrogen. Initially, the plant of MAEGMA will operate with a mix of natural gas and hydrogen, reducing the CO2 footprint by more than 50 percent compared to the traditional blast furnace route. The hydrogen-ready plant features piping for 100 percent hydrogen operation and three-stage process gas compressors. Key components include a MIDREX shaft furnace with a 7.15-meter diameter and a MIDREX reformer with 19 chambers and 280-millimeter reformer tubes.
“The industry is increasingly switching to hydrogen, but energy prices remain a challenge. Under these conditions, the flexibility of the MIDREX Flex plant offers MAEGMA Minerals a significant advantage,” explained Andreas Viehböck, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Business Unit Upstream at Primetals Technologies. “This technology enables MAEGMA Minerals to increase hydrogen usage depending on market conditions while significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to conventional production methods. We are very pleased about this partnership and look forward to supporting MAEGMA Minerals in achieving its goals.”
Production of High-Quality HBI
This advanced technology combines flexibility and performance for efficient and sustainable production. Integrated innovations include a charging system that recycles fine ore residues from the briquetting process. Primetals Technologies also supplies basic automation (Level 1), a modern process optimization system (Level 2) with the DRIpax expert system to ensure consistently high-quality HBI production, as well as additional technologies for plant digitalization.
Locally available natural gas provided by a renowned gas supplier through the public network, as well as green hydrogen from off-grid renewable energy sources and a planned solar park, enable environmentally friendly production. The pellet feedstock is sourced from a globally leading mining company with locations near the MAEGMA plant, significantly reducing transportation costs.
MAEGMA Minerals belongs to the Melewar Group based in Kuala Lumpur, a major Malaysian industrial conglomerate and industry leader in cold-rolled flat steel. The group produces steel pipes, hollow sections, and other products processed in the construction, furniture, automotive, bicycle, and mechanical engineering industries.
