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| Boston Metal Carbon Free Steel |
Boston Metal’s Carbon-Free Technology Gains Momentum
Boston Metal’s carbon-free steel production has achieved critical milestones, advancing its molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) technology toward commercial deployment. On September 9, Boston Metal and Finnish stainless steelmaker Outokumpu signed an MoU to secure chromium oxide feedstock from the Kemi mine in Finland. This feedstock will support the production of inert anodes, a core component of MOE.
The agreement gives Boston Metal access to Outokumpu’s high-grade chromium, ensuring long-term supply stability. In return, Outokumpu may deploy MOE technology to recover valuable metals from by-products. As a result, the partnership benefits both raw material supply and technology application. This aligns with Boston Metal’s strategy to commercialize its carbon-free steel production process globally.
Inert Anode Durability Opens Commercial Doors
A breakthrough in inert anode longevity further strengthens Boston Metal’s commercial prospects. According to Adam Rauwerdink, SVP of Business Development, recent tests show anodes maintain pristine condition after months of operation. This supports their intended lifespan of 1–3 years—crucial for industrial use.
Meanwhile, Boston Metal commissioned its MODE (multi-inert anode) industrial cell in March 2025 in Woburn, Massachusetts. This enables high-volume scalability by integrating multiple inert anodes per electrolysis cell. Therefore, Boston Metal is now focused on reducing cost-per-ton for steel and ferroalloy production.
The MOE process splits metal oxides using electricity, yielding pure liquid metal and oxygen—without using coal. If powered by renewables, it enables fully carbon-free steel production. The company seeks to scale this technology across both primary metal production and waste recovery applications.
Brazil Plant Marks First Industrial Rollout
Boston Metal’s first industrial plant in Brazil will launch in Q4 2025. Located in Coronel Xavier Chaves, the site will focus on niobium and tin recovery from metallurgical waste. The facility represents the company’s first commercial deployment of MOE outside the lab, following its 2014 semi-industrial pilot.
In contrast to Finland's chromium application, the Brazilian operation targets high-value specialty metals. However, both cases rely on the same electrolysis platform and carbon-free steel production principles. Founded in 2012 from MIT research, Boston Metal now positions itself as a global pioneer in green metallurgy.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Boston Metal’s MOE technology addresses the steel industry’s urgent decarbonization needs. The chromium supply deal with Outokumpu and Brazil plant launch suggest industrial traction is accelerating. If cost targets are met, carbon-free steel production could enter a commercial tipping point within the decade, reshaping ferroalloy and specialty metal sectors alike.
