Advanced Mineral Processing

Program Overview

Developing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that enhance energy efficiency and reduce effluent associated with extraction, separation, and processing of iron ore and other minerals.

Recent Research

  • Iron concentrates and pellets from secondary Minnesota iron resources are being developed with process technology and feasibility demonstration of using alternate iron resources, like tailings and iron stockpiles, to make direct reduced iron to feed low emission Electric Arc steelmaking process. 
  • Improved total iron analysis developed that eliminates toxic reagents while delivering greater accuracy and precision.

Related News

NRRI Coleraine facility showing front door, landscaping and flag.

Project selected as part of a $117 million DOE initiative by the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation to strengthen American industrial competitiveness.

A man wearing hard hat and safety vest stands near a large grinding machine

Crushing and grinding expertise to unlock mineral value brings researcher back to NRRI

Graphic illustration of Minnesota showing state resources for hydrogen production

State identified as hub for low-emission, economically feasible steel production, securing federal funding to accelerate industry transformation.

Ariel view of collection of buildings, lake in background.

US DOE grants will address a variety of technologies aimed at efficiencies for Minnesota’s iron ore industry 

Aerial view of a large production facility with smaller surrounding buildings

MagIron, LLC credits NRRI’s research to identify ores for direct reduced iron production.

A woman sits at a microscope

Mineralogist finds ways to keep learning and growing at NRRI

Six people in safety vests and hard hats stand near an upright piece of equipment

Pilot-scale, vertical mill from Switzerland is ‘game-changer’ for industry decarbonization efforts.

Man in hard hat and safety vest stands at table holding four trays of iron pellets.

Minnesota joins nine states in effort to develop zero emissions ironmaking and ultra-low life cycle emissions steelmaking.

Aerial view of a large production facility with smaller surrounding buildings

NRRI research to identify and confirm major ore recovery improvements from waste taconite moves industry forward

High Pressure Grinding Roller at the Coleraine facility.

High Pressure Grinding Rolls provide perfect technology for interplanetary impact