Castellanza, November 18, 2025 – Tenova HYL, a Tenova company leader in Direct Reduction, has successfully started up its ENERGIRON Zero-Reformer DR Micro-Module at Empresa Siderúrgica del Mutún, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, producing the first Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) on October 7. This key milestone of the contract signed with Sinosteel Equipment and Engineering, a global Chinese EPC contractor specializing in industrial engineering, equipment supply, and turnkey project delivery across the mining, metals, and infrastructure sectors, marks a significant step in the long-standing cooperation between Tenova and Sinosteel.
The advanced and cost-effective 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 Plant will be 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.
This achievement not only underscores Tenova’s commitment and technical excellence but also strengthens its position as a leading supplier of DRI technology.
Stefano Maggiolino, Tenova HYL President & CEO, commented: “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.”
