Beijing, September 28, 2026: Mining giant Rio Tinto and Chinese steelmaker Shougang Group have commissioned an industrial-scale carbon-capture trial facility at Shougang’s Jingtang operations in China, marking another step in efforts to reduce emissions from conventional steelmaking.
The facility is designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from blast-furnace gas generated during the ironmaking process. It can process up to 3,000 cubic metres of blast-furnace gas per hour and is capable of capturing as much as 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Part of a long-term decarbonisation partnership
The project stems from a 2022 memorandum of understanding between Rio Tinto and Shougang to research and develop technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the steel value chain. Their collaboration covers areas including low-carbon sintering, blast-furnace and basic oxygen furnace optimisation, and carbon capture and utilisation.
The new facility follows a smaller carbon-capture installation commissioned in 2024 as part of the companies’ phased technology-development programme.
Exploring reuse of captured carbon
Rio Tinto and Shougang are also examining ways to utilise the captured CO₂ rather than simply storing it. One potential pathway involves converting captured carbon dioxide into syngas, which could then be recycled into the steelmaking process and potentially reduce the need for additional carbon inputs.
The facility has been integrated into Shougang’s existing ironmaking system and is expected to operate over the longer term for testing and research.
Focus on existing blast furnaces
Carbon capture is being explored as one option for reducing emissions from existing blast-furnace operations, particularly because replacing conventional steelmaking infrastructure with alternative technologies can require significant investment.
Rio Tinto said the use of waste heat from existing operations could potentially help lower the cost of carbon capture, which could improve the prospects for wider deployment across steel plants.
The project highlights the growing focus among miners and steelmakers on developing technologies that can reduce emissions while continuing to use existing industrial infrastructure.