Academic and industry leaders gathered in Shanghai to advance green iron technologies and support the transition to a lower-carbon iron and steel industry.
UNSW Sydney has strengthened its collaboration with China on green iron research, with academic and industry leaders gathering in Shanghai for the inaugural Australia-China Green Iron Technology Workshop.
Held in partnership with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Metallurgical Industry Branch (MC-CCPIT), the workshop brought together senior researchers, industry experts and emerging scientists to explore practical pathways to reducing emissions from iron and steelmaking.
UNSW Dean of Engineering Professor Julien Epps said green iron was central to global industrial decarbonisation and aligned closely with UNSW’s strategic priorities in climate and sustainability.
“UNSW Sydney has ‘Progress for All’ as its core strategic vision. Therefore, in addressing climate change, a shared challenge for humanity, we advocate for close cross-border collaboration.”
The workshop culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the China-Australia Green Iron Research Platform, creating a framework for deeper collaboration on joint research, standards recognition and technological innovation.
The event also launched the China-Australia Green Iron Young Scientist Mentorship Program, which will pair senior academics with emerging researchers. Selected through an open competition, participants will develop their research and leadership skills while building stronger connections between the two countries.
The workshop was held during the second China International Steel Week and featured keynote presentations and focused roundtable discussions led by academics and senior experts, alongside a young scientists mentorship initiative and partnership announcements.
Practical pathways to lower emissions
Professor Yansong Shen FTSE, Director of UNSW’s SCoPE Lab for Green Metals in the School of Chemical Engineering, co-convened the workshop with Professor Xinping Mao, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Professor Jianliang Zhang from USTB.
Professor Shen highlighted two complementary priorities for reducing emissions from ironmaking: improving the efficiency and emissions performance of existing blast furnaces, which are expected to remain an important part of iron production for years to come, while developing new ironmaking routes.
One example is the Renewable Injections-Sustainable Burdens (RISB) technology being developed by Professor Shen’s team. Designed for existing blast furnaces, the process provides a practical near-term pathway to decarbonisation.
“Directly linking Australia’s natural resources and UNSW’s research excellence with China’s vast industrial practice and engineering implementation is one of the most effective pathways to achieving deep global iron and steel decarbonisation,” said Prof. Shen.
Building on complementary strengths
Australia and China face shared challenges in decarbonisation research, low-carbon standards and translating research into industrial applications. Australia has abundant high-grade iron ore, significant renewable energy potential and world-class research capability, while China is home to the world’s largest iron and steel industry and has demonstrated capacity to deploy technologies at scale.
UNSW connects research and industry across Australia and China, drawing on expertise in metallurgy, mining, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Green iron and steel is a strategic priority for the University, with researchers working to translate innovations from the laboratory into industrial application.
As part of the strengthened partnership, Professor Julien Epps presented Professor Jianliang Zhang, Director of the Division of Metallurgy at USTB, with a certificate recognising his appointment as an Adjunct Professor at UNSW. The appointment is expected to further strengthen collaboration between UNSW and USTB in green iron, low-carbon metallurgy and industry-engaged research.
The workshop attracted strong industry support, with contributions from the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), the Chinese Society for Metals (CSM), the World Steel Association and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), as well as support from iron and steel producers China Baowu and Rio Tinto.
The bilateral event will be hosted alternately by Australia and China, supporting continued collaboration on technologies and research to accelerate the transition to lower-carbon iron and steel production.
