BHP Billiton joined hands with Hegang Group and Beijing University of Science and Technology to explore the technological path of low-carbon steel production.

BHP Billiton signed a three-year tripartite cooperation agreement with Hegang Group Co., Ltd. and Beijing University of Science and Technology ("low carbon Research Cooperation Agreement") to jointly carry out research on the technology and path of low carbon steel production. The signing of the agreement is an important milestone in the comprehensive deepening of strategic cooperation between BHP Billiton and Hegang Group. The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation in March 2021, and BHP Billiton plans to invest 15 million US dollars in the next three years. Jointly study and explore greenhouse gas emission reduction technologies and paths with Hegang Group. The two sides will work together in three key areas: hydrogen-based direct reduction technology, steel slag recycling technology and improving the utilization ratio of blast furnace lump ores.

Hegang Group is one of the world's leading iron and steel companies and a major customer of BHP Billiton iron ore in China, while Beijing University of Science and Technology is known as China's "steel cradle". It has world-leading scientific research capabilities in the fields of metallurgical engineering, material science and engineering and mining engineering. In October 2020, under the guidance of the World Iron and Steel Association, Hegang Group and Beijing University of Science and Technology initiated the establishment of the World Iron and Steel Development Research Institute (WSDRI), to build a new platform for the world's top research institutions and leading iron and steel enterprises to work side by side. The completion of this cooperation plan is another major move by BHP Billiton, together with Hegang Group, Beijing University of Science and Technology and the World Iron and Steel Development Research Institute, to promote the decarbonization process in the iron and steel industry.

According to the agreement, BHP Billiton will cooperate with Hegang Group and Beijing University of Science and Technology to give full play to their respective advantages and rely on the World Iron and Steel Development Institute to jointly carry out project research on low-carbon steel production technology and path. including model analysis, feasibility analysis, techno-economic modeling, as well as basic and pilot trials. The research results, experience summary and cutting-edge insights of this cooperation will provide valuable scientific guidance for the application of related technologies in practical production in the future. We will actively share the results with all sectors of the industry and make every effort to promote the overall process of iron and steel production towards low carbon.

Mr. he Mukai, President of Global sales and Marketing of BHP Billiton, said: "Green development and low-carbon transformation will reshape the development of the world trade and resources industry. BHP Billiton is committed to corporate responsibility and has always adhered to its long-term commitment to China. While focusing on customer service, we will also actively contribute to the resources industry and the process of sustainable development in China. Hegang Group is an important strategic partner of BHP Billiton in China, and we are very pleased to join hands with Hegang Group to launch this exciting research project to help the iron and steel industry actively respond to the challenges of climate change. This cooperation marks a substantial step forward by BHP Billiton and Hegang Group in jointly promoting the low-carbon transformation of steel production. At the same time, the top university of Science and Technology of Beijing will also lay a solid foundation for the research project with profound professional knowledge and scientific research level. "

"the green and low-carbon transformation of the iron and steel industry requires concerted efforts and hand in hand. BHP Billiton looks forward to working side by side with China's business partners to effectively promote the decarbonization process in this key industry and create a better tomorrow for the world's sustainable development. "

Li Yiren, deputy general manager of Hegang Group, said: "BHP Billiton is the world's leading multinational integrated resources company, and the latest agreement signed between BHP Billiton and BHP Billiton this time will ensure that the cooperation in the next three years will have the most positive and far-reaching impact on the whole industry chain. With the profound academic resources of the University of Science and Technology of Beijing and the unique platform of the World Institute of Iron and Steel Development, I believe that this new low-carbon research program will help the iron and steel industry to achieve sustainable low-carbon emission reduction. to make a positive contribution to "promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind". "

"the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement with BHP Billiton and Hegang Group has created a good opportunity for us to cooperate," said Mao Xinping, academician of the University of Science and Technology in Beijing. It is believed that we will give full play to our respective advantages, coordinate innovation, jointly tackle key problems, carry out high-level, high-level and substantive international cooperation, and conduct in-depth exchanges in the field of low-carbon metallurgical technology research. We will promote the common development of the global iron and steel industry and the industrial chain. "

In early September, BHP released the Climate Transformation Action Plan, which defines BHP's role and actions in helping the world decarbonize and transform. For details of the Action Plan for Climate Transformation, please visit www.bhp-china.cn.

For more information about BHP Billiton, please scan the QR code below to log in / follow BHP Billiton official account, or visit bhp.com

Media enquiries:

He Yuanyuan

BHP Billiton (China) Department of Corporate Public Affairs

Tel: + 86 21 61227122

Mailbox: cathy.ho@bhpbilliton.com

Shi Xiaonuo

Shanghai Dawei Marketing Consulting Co., Ltd.

Tel: + 86 10 58617590

Email: xiaonuo.shi@pstrategies.com