Finland based stainless steelmaker Outokumpu and US-based Boston Metal have launched a cooperation agreement aimed at advancing the production of carbon-free metals. This initiative is expected to support strategic sectors such as defense and aerospace while enhancing operational efficiency and recycling processes in stainless steel.
Partnership details
The agreement establishes a joint development project that will integrate Outokumpu’s chromium feedstock from its Kemi mine in Finland with Boston Metal’s proprietary molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) technology. This collaboration is designed to strengthen the supply chain for inert anodes, which is crucial for producing green steel, while also enabling Boston Metal to test MOE for side-stream recycling within Outokumpu’s stainless steel production.
Stefan Erdmann, CTO of Outokumpu, highlighted that the project supports the company’s EVOLVE 2026-2030 strategy, which emphasizes innovation, circularity and reduced environmental impact.
MOE technology and its impact
Unlike traditional carbon-based reduction, MOE electrifies the separation of pure metals from their oxides. When powered by renewable energy, this process eliminates direct carbon emissions.
Boston Metal is commissioning its first commercial MOE facility in Brazil, focusing on critical metals such as niobium and tantalum. The company is also scaling modular MOE systems for iron and steel production.
Strategic importance
The partnership is significant for both companies and the wider steel sector:
- For Outokumpu: strengthens its circularity strategy, reduces waste and ensures sustainable supply chains for stainless steel.
- For Boston Metal: expands its chromium supply chain and positions MOE technology for large-scale deployment.
- For the steel industry: provides a scalable, low-disruption pathway to decarbonization, particularly in hard-to-abate high-heat processes.