Successful Reduction of Iron Ore Using a Standard Bench-Scale Microwave Unit for Metallurgical/Mining Processes – A Step Forward Toward Contributing to Carbon Neutrality in the Steelmaking Process –

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (“MWCC”) has successfully reduced iron ore in a demonstration test conducted using its proprietary standard bench-scale unit for microwave-based metallurgical/mining processes[1]. Going forward, MWCC will accelerate efforts to establish this technology and seek partners toward commercialization.

■This Achievement
In December 2023, MWCC announced that it had successfully reduced iron ore on a lab scale using its “Green Mining-MX™” microwave technology platform for mining process developments[2]. In this latest demonstration, MWCC conducted a validation test using its rotary hearth furnace-type standard bench-scale unit for microwave-based metallurgical/mining processes. As a result, MWCC successfully reduced approximately 15 kg of iron ore and has completed bench-scale validation, marking an important milestone toward practical implementation.

■Outlook
MWCC will continue studies required for practical implementation, including optimization of process conditions, quantification of energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction effects, and verification of continuous operation. With future business development in mind, MWCC will explore partnerships with a wide range of companies, including steelmakers, mining/resource companies, and engineering firms. Through the development of this technology, MWCC aims to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality in the steel industry.


■Background
The steel industry accounts for approximately 7–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions on a CO₂ equivalent basis (as of 2024)[3]. In Japan, CO₂ emissions from the steel industry represent approximately 39% of emissions in the industrial sector and about 13% of the country’s total emissions (both figures for FY2023)[4]. In the currently dominant blast furnace method, a large amount of CO₂ is inevitably emitted during the reduction process using coal (coke), making it a major factor in environmental impact. Therefore, a fundamental shift in the steelmaking process is essential to achieve carbon neutrality in the steel industry.


■Key Features of This Technology
Microwaves enable direct heating, and iron ore readily absorbs microwaves. Accordingly, microwave-based iron ore reduction technology is expected to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, this technology can also be applied to reduction processes that use hydrogen or biomass as reducing agents, and is considered effective for achieving carbon neutrality in the steel industry. On the other hand, scaling up this technology has historically been a challenge; MWCC is working toward practical application by leveraging its expertise and know-how in the scale-up of microwave chemical processes.

[1]: Press release dated April 24, 2024: Completed Innovative Microwave Bench Equipment for Carbon Neutrality in Metal Smelting and Mining
https://mwcc.jp/post_en/press_release/3397/
[2]: Press release dated December 13, 2023: Successful Lab-Scale Reduction of Iron Ore with Microwaves　〜Contributes to Carbon Neutrality in Steel Production, a Significant Challenge in the Steel Industry〜
https://mwcc.jp/post_en/press_release/3137/
[3]: “Climate change and the production of iron and steel – 2025”
https://worldsteel.org/climate-action/climate-change-and-the-production-of-iron-and-steel/
[4]: February 2026, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), “Updated Technology Roadmap for the Steel Sector regarding Transition Finance”
https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/energy_environment/transition_finance_suishin/pdf/014_04_00.pdf