The government is committed to developing a green iron industry and supply chain in South Australia. This is why we have initiated an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify industry partners interested in jointly investigating the development of a green iron plant in the state.
The EOI process aims to collaborate with industry across the whole value chain and pinpoint areas that require de-risking to jointly develop a green iron industry in South Australia.
The green iron opportunity is not just for steelmakers – these opportunities span all the way from the ‘pit to the port’, providing investment opportunities along a larger supply chain that includes mining, infrastructure, energy, technology and more.
We are encouraging companies with an interest in any area across this potential supply chain to be involved.
The EOI process will run in the following phases:
- Launch: Launch of the Expression of Interest process (20 June 2024)
- Listen: Listen to industry (July 2024)
- Refine and Engage: Refine our understanding through intensive workshops with industry (August/September 2024)
- Report: Recommendations to the government to guide future focus (late 2024)
The ‘Launch’ phase referred to the public release of the expression of interest and its launch through a green iron industry forum.
The ‘Listen’ phase provided an opportunity for industry to engage online with the government and other industry colleagues to understand the green iron opportunity, to assess the comparative advantages of South Australia and highlight the barriers to developing a green iron industry.
The ‘Refine and Engage’ phase will enable us to dive deep into the key themes identified through the Listen phase. Specific industry groups will be brought together through area-focused workshops to explore the challenges in each area and determine the actions needed to guide the government’s approach to de-risking studies.
This will also inform your EOI submissions with the latest and most accurate information.
We have released an Expression of Interest Submission Guide. The submission guide provides information on how to make your submission, including the information required to submit as part of your Expression of Interest.
At a high-level, we will ask you to submit a response (commercial in confidence) with information on any projects you are considering, and what you need to progress these further. The response needs to include your company details, and any other parties you propose to collaborate with such as magnetite miners and renewable energy developers. We will also need information on the project(s) you are considering such as likely technologies to be used, storage needs, infrastructure needs and their location, and production volumes.
All submissions must be made via the Green Iron Opportunity: Expression of Interest Submission Portal.
The 'Report' phase begins once the EOI submissions are closed. During this phase, we will review the received submissions and prepare a summary of potential projects, preferred locations, and key areas to de-risk in order to capture this green iron opportunity for our state. A set of recommendations will be provided to the government to guide future focus and co-investment.
It is anticipated that a report summarising key findings and outlining next steps will be publicly released before the end of the year.
Expressions of Interest are due for submission by no later than 1 October 2024.
We will keep this website (energymining.sa.gov.au/greeniron) updated with information throughout the EOI process, including providing access to public presentations and information about the EOI.
Discussions on the online forum were live for the duration of the Listen phase.
At the end of the EOI process, the South Australian government will assess the recommendations on the de-risking activities and work with interested partners in determining the specialised industrial precincts and supporting infrastructure required to de-risk investment in green iron and steel in South Australia. It is anticipated that de-risking studies and assessments will begin in 2025.
This EOI is to co-design and co-investigate with government the establishment of a green iron industry. This is not a lead-up to a procurement.
Throughout the process, you will have several opportunities to engage with our team through online and face-to-face sessions. You will be informed of the specific contact person for your queries. Additionally, you can email us at DEMGreenSteel@sa.gov.au and we will direct your inquiry to the appropriate channel.
