Rio Tinto has entered into definitive agreements with GravitHy to expedite the decarbonisation of steelmaking in Europe. Under the collaboration, Rio Tinto will supply high-grade direct reduction iron ore pellets from its operations at the Iron Ore Company of Canada to support GravitHy’s ambitious steel production project in France.
GravitHy plans to establish a cutting-edge facility in Fos-sur-Mer, which is expected to produce two million tonnes of iron annually starting in 2028. The facility will leverage ultra-low carbon hydrogen production powered by nuclear energy to convert the direct reduction pellets into hot briquetted iron (HBI).
GravitHy CEO José Noldin highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “We are developing one of the most advanced ultra-low-carbon iron projects worldwide, designated by the French Government as an ‘Industrial Project of Major National Interest.’” He also emphasized that combining GravitHy’s innovative approach with Rio Tinto’s leadership in mining and steel decarbonisation ensures a strong foundation for the project’s success.
