Hawsons Iron Commences Cold-Agglomerated Pellet Testwork with UK-Based Binding Solutions

Manish Choudhary

09 November 2026 03:33 PM AEDT

Hawsons Iron Commences Cold-Agglomerated Pellet Testwork with UK-Based Binding Solutions

Image Source: Krish Capital Pty Ltd

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Hawsons Iron Limited (ASX:HIO) has commenced a preliminary laboratory testwork program with UK-based Binding Solutions Limited (BSL) to evaluate whether Hawsons' iron ore concentrate can be converted into cold-agglomerated pellets suitable for direct reduction applications, the company disclosed on 9 November 2026.

Key Points

Preliminary laboratory program commenced with Binding Solutions Limited (BSL) to assess cold-agglomerated pellet production from Hawsons iron ore concentrate for direct reduction applications.
The testwork program feed specification is 69.0–70.0% iron, consistent with recent elutriation results, with sample material to be provided to BSL's Technical Centre in Teesside, United Kingdom.
BSL's cold agglomeration process can reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions of pellet production by more than 80% compared with conventional induration, according to the filing.
The testwork report is scheduled to be completed by early December, with results to inform whether to proceed to a full proof-of-concept and optimisation program.

Preliminary Testwork Program Scope and Process

The testwork program involves providing Hawsons sample material to BSL's Technical Centre on the Materials Processing Institute campus in Teesside, United Kingdom. BSL will assess a homogenised sample covering moisture content, chemical composition, mineralogy, and thermal behaviour to develop and evaluate the optimum binder formulation. Initial formulation work will use small test specimens, followed by a limited number of laboratory pellet production runs. Laboratory testing will provide an initial indication of pellet strength, resistance to breakdown during handling, and metallisation under simulated reduction conditions to assess potential performance in a direct reduction shaft furnace.

Potential Outcomes and Subsequent Steps

According to the filing, results from the preliminary program will be indicative only and are not intended to represent optimised product performance. If results support further work, any subsequent full proof-of-concept and optimisation program would be conducted in parallel with, and independent of, the final Feasibility Study. Further work could include pilot production and larger-scale direct reduction testing with third parties, subject to material availability and agreement on scope and funding. Managing Director Tom Revy stated the company is taking a staged approach, with each step guided by test results.

About Binding Solutions Limited and Its Technology

Binding Solutions Limited is a UK-based developer of proprietary cold-agglomeration technology that uses binders to convert fine mineral material into pellets. BSL is working with a number of iron ore producers and steelmakers on cold-agglomerated pellets for blast furnace and direct reduction ironmaking, and in 2025 completed a 250-tonne industrial trial in a British Steel blast furnace. Investors in BSL include Mitsui Iron Ore Development Pty. Ltd., Champion Iron, and MinRes. BSL CEO Jon Stewart stated that cold agglomeration can deliver magnetite pellets to a DR shaft furnace without the iron first being oxidised to hematite, as occurs in conventional induration.

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