Outokumpu Invests USD 45 Million in Chromium Metal and Ferrochrome Pilot Plant in U.S.
Outokumpu Oyj will invest approximately USD 45 million to build a pilot plant in New Hampshire, USA, for the production of low-carbon chromium metal and enriched ferrochrome. The facility is planned to be operational in the first half of 2027.
Steel company Outokumpu Oyj is investing approximately USD 45 million to construct a new pilot plant in New Hampshire, U.S. The facility will focus on developing and scaling up the production of critical, low-carbon materials, including chromium metal and enriched ferrochrome.
The pilot plant is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2027. This investment aligns with Outokumpu's EVOLVE strategy, aiming to scale its proprietary technology from laboratory and pre-pilot stages to industrial feasibility. The company has been developing this technology at its laboratory near Boston.
The pilot phase aims to demonstrate the scalability and industrial viability of the process, increasing daily production from one kilogram to one ton. The materials produced will be enriched ferrochrome, containing 65% chrome, and chromium metal, with over 90% chrome content. This development could shift Outokumpu's ferrochrome business towards specialty metals.
Following a successful pilot phase, Outokumpu plans to construct its first industrial-scale plant with an estimated annual capacity of 10,000 tons, targeting commercial potential from 2030 onwards. The enriched ferrochrome produced using this technology will have a lower carbon footprint and is expected to command higher prices. Chromium metal, known for its hardness and heat resistance, has applications in demanding sectors like aerospace, defense, and energy.