FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Company
Who is Midrex?
Midrex is a global technology company specializing in direct reduction ironmaking technology and long-term plant support. Since 1969, Midrex has supplied technology to steelmakers around the world.
Who owns Midrex?
Midrex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel, Ltd.
Where is Midrex headquartered?
Midrex is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, with additional offices supporting projects and customers worldwide.
How many MIDREX Plants operate worldwide?
Nearly 100 MIDREXTM Shaft Furnace direct reduction modules operate across more than 20 countries, producing a significant proportion of the world's direct reduced iron.
MIDREX Technology
What is the MIDREX Process?
The MIDREX Process is a gas-based direct reduction process that converts iron ore into direct reduced iron (DRI) using an integrated system of reduction gas generation, a shaft furnace and heat recovery. It is designed for reliable, continuous operation and supports multiple DRI product forms.
What is Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)?
DRI is a high-quality ore-based metallic produced by removing oxygen from iron ore without melting the metal. It provides steelmakers with a clean, consistent source of iron for electric arc furnaces (EAFs) and other steelmaking routes.
What is the difference between DRI, HDRI, HBI and CDRI?
Cold DRI (CDRI) is cooled and passivated for flexible handling and storage. Hot DRI (HDRI) is transferred hot to steelmaking to recover energy from the reduction process. Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) is compacted into briquettes for safe transport and merchant sale. All three forms can be produced using the MIDREX Process.
What is MIDREX Flex™?
MIDREX Flex is a direct reduction solution that operates on natural gas today while allowing staged increases in hydrogen use over time, up to full hydrogen operation when conditions allow.
What is MIDREX H2?
MIDREX H2™ is a direct reduction configuration designed to operate using hydrogen as the primary reducing gas, supporting ultra-low CO₂ ironmaking where hydrogen is available.
What is MXCol?
MXCol™ is the coal- and synthesis gas (syngas)-based configuration of the MIDREX Process, developed for regions where coal-derived syngas provides the most practical energy source.
What raw materials can MIDREX Plants use?
MIDREX Plants are designed to operate with iron oxide pellets and lump ore. Depending on the project, they can also operate using different reducing gas compositions, including natural gas, hydrogen-rich gas and syngas.
Can existing MIDREX Plants transition to hydrogen?
Many MIDREX Plants can increase hydrogen use over time, depending on plant configuration, available infrastructure and project-specific requirements.
Plant Design & Operations
What services does Midrex provide?
Midrex supports clients throughout the plant lifecycle, including plant design, proprietary equipment supply, commissioning, operational support, optimization, digitalization, spare parts and long-term upgrades.
What is Midrex Global Solutions?
Midrex Global Solutions provides aftermarket support to help operating plants improve productivity, availability, product quality, plant longevity and asset management.
Does Midrex provide digital solutions?
Yes. Midrex Digitalization combines operational expertise with real-time data analysis, advanced process control, operator training simulation, automation and remote professional services.
Can existing MIDREX Plants be upgraded?
Yes. Midrex regularly supports plant upgrades to improve performance, increase capacity, introduce new technologies and adapt to changing operating conditions.
How long do MIDREX Plants operate?
MIDREX Plants are designed for long operating lives and continue to operate reliably over decades through continuous optimization and technical support.
Sustainability & Decarbonization
How does direct reduction reduce CO₂ emissions?
Natural gas-based direct reduction produces significantly lower CO₂ emissions than traditional blast furnace (BF) ironmaking. Hydrogen-based direct reduction offers the potential for even lower emissions where hydrogen is available.
Is hydrogen required for low-carbon steelmaking?
No. Hydrogen is one pathway to lower-carbon ironmaking, but many producers begin by operating on natural gas and transition gradually as hydrogen infrastructure develops.
Can MIDREX technology support different decarbonization pathways?
Yes. MIDREX technology is designed to support multiple transition pathways based on regional energy availability, infrastructure and project objectives.
Does Midrex support carbon capture?
Yes. Carbon capture and utilization can be integrated with MIDREX Plants where project conditions, economics and local infrastructure make it appropriate.
Careers
What types of careers are available at Midrex?
Midrex recruits across engineering, project management, manufacturing, procurement, commercial, technical services, finance, IT and corporate functions.
Does Midrex offer internships?
Yes. Internship opportunities are available periodically and are listed on the Job Openings page when applications are open.
How do I apply for a position?
All current vacancies are listed on the Job Openings page, where candidates can view role descriptions and submit applications online.
What is it like to work at Midrex?
Midrex is a collaborative, highly capable organization where teammates take ownership, work across disciplines, and contribute to projects that shape the future of ironmaking.
Technical Resources, Publications & DRI Statistics
What is Direct From Midrex?
Direct From Midrex, also known as DFM, is Midrex's technical publication featuring engineering insights, operating experience, industry developments and articles written by experts.
Can I subscribe to Direct From Midrex?
Yes. Visitors can subscribe through the Resources page to receive future editions and technical updates.
Where can I find DRI industry statistics?
Midrex publishes the industry's most comprehensive annual direct reduced iron (DRI) statistics, covering global and regional production, operating plants, production capacity and technology trends. The report is widely referenced by steelmakers, analysts, researchers and industry organizations.
What information is included in the DRI Statistics report?
The report includes: Global and regional DRI production; Production by country; Operating MIDREXTM and other DRI modules; Annual production capacity; Trends in direct reduction technology; and Historical production data.
Where can I download the latest DRI Statistics report?
The latest DRI Statistics report is available through the Resources page, where visitors can also access previous editions and other technical publications.
Contact & Support
How can I contact Midrex?
Visit the Contact page to get in touch with the appropriate Midrex team for sales, engineering, technical support, careers or general enquiries.
How do I request information about a new project?
Contact the Midrex commercial team through the Contact page to discuss project requirements, plant design or technology solutions.
How can I become a supplier?
Companies interested in supplying Midrex can find more information on the Supply Chain Management page or contact the procurement team directly.
How do I find a MIDREX Plant?
Visit the Midrex Plants Map to explore MIDREX Plants operating around the world.