In the Netherlands, HES International and Binding Solutions Limited (BSL) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding to evaluate the potential of a state-of-the-art iron ore cold pelletising plant at HES Bulk Terminal Rotterdam (HBTR).
Binding Solutions has developed a patented process for the production of cold agglomerated pellets (CAP) that enables the production of bulk green steel.
Eventually, it is hoped that HBTR will be able to produce high-value iron ore CAP at its Rotterdam facilities.
BSL claims that its cold agglomeration technology reduces energy consumption by up to 80% and CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional high-temperature processes.
If all goes according to plan, an initial phase will see the construction of a 400,000-tonne annual capacity plant. Additional expansions will boost output to between one and three million tonnes per year at what is Europe's largest dry bulk terminal.