A crucial milestone representing the country’s first DRI production and a significant step forward for the green steel industry in the region
On October 7, 2025, Tenova’s ENERGIRON Zero-Reformer DR Micro-Module successfully produced its first Direct Reduced Iron for Empresa Siderúrgica del Mutún (ESM)’s steel complex in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. This milestone reinforces the long-standing cooperation between Tenova and Sinosteel, and consolidates Tenova’s position as the leading supplier of DRI technology.
The cost-effective and innovative DR Micro-Module uses the state-of-the-art ENERGIRON Zero-Reformer (ZR) Process – ENERGIRON is the technology jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli - and will produce 250,000 metric tons of DRI a year. It will supply the melt shop with high-quality DRI with metallization levels of 94% and an adjustable high carbon content in the range of 3-4%, making it the first DRI plant in Bolivia.
The DRI facility is integrated into a larger steel complex comprising seven plants: Concentration, Pelletization, Direct Reduction (DRP), Steel Mill, Rolling Mill, Power Plant, and Auxiliary Plants. This development represents a key step forward for the green steel industry in the region and will cover close to half the country’s steel needs.
Tenova HYL President & CEO
“We are proud to be part of this strategic project together with EMS and Sinosteel and drive the sustainable industrial development of Bolivia. Our team showed commitment to technical excellence, which has made this achievement possible. Thanks to our innovative DRI technology, we are helping shape the future of the region’s green steel industry.”
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