BHP has signed a three-year tripartite research collaboration agreement with China's HBIS Group Co Ltd and University of Science and Technology Beijing to support research in low-carbon iron and steel making technologies.

This agreement is a milestone for BHP and HBIS to implement the collaboration inked in a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2021, under which BHP intends to invest up to $15 million over three years to fund research and pilot projects including hydrogen-based direct reduction technology, processing and recycling of steelmaking slag, as well as enhanced lump utilization in the blast furnace.

"As a responsible company with long-term commitments in China, BHP is not only focused on the business needs of our customers but also on the industry and the country's sustainable development needs," BHP sales and marketing officer Michiel Hovers said. "Achieving the steel industry's low-carbon transition will only be possible through joint efforts across the whole value chain. BHP looks forward to continuing to work closely with our Chinese partners to build a truly collective drive aimed at mitigating emissions in this key sector and realizing a sustainable future for us all."

"This latest agreement between HBIS Group and BHP, a world-leading resources company, will ensure our three-year partnership delivers the most positive and meaningful impact possible across the value chain," said Li Yiren, executive vice-president of HBIS Group.

Earlier in September, BHP released a climate transition action plan which outlines the company's role and actions in relation to the collective challenge of climate change.