Sydvaranger mine

To produce fossil-free steel based on iron ore, iron production must be carried out through direct reduction with hydrogen. This process, in turn, requires that the iron ore concentrate has at least a 67% iron content, with low levels of impurities such as silicon and aluminum. The direct reduction process is a much more environmentally friendly process than traditional blast furnace production and also contributes to a cleaner final product – fossil-free direct reduced iron (DRI). Currently, only 4% of the world’s iron ore production meets the iron concentration required for fossil-free steel production.
The iron ore in Sydvaranger is ideal for producing high-quality concentrate. In the mine’s previous production, a 68% iron content was achieved, but the iron ore concentrate has a high silicon content. Since the acquisition of Sydvaranger, GRANGEX plans to introduce a new separation technology during the mine’s restart. This technology will further improve the product quality, making it suitable for a hydrogen-based direct reduction process.

Mining with a Tradition

Sydvaranger was first put into operation in 1910. Since then, the mine’s iron ore extraction has been active in phases, but since 2016, the operation has been in maintenance mode. Sydvaranger’s assets are particularly valuable due to their composition and high iron concentration. In preparation for the planned restart of the mine, GRANGEX is developing the production technology to deliver a highly concentrated iron ore product, using fossil-free direct reduction processes.

Timeline for opening the Sydvaranger mine