Libya is set to become a supplier of direct reduced iron (DRI) in the Mediterranean basin and beyond with the announcement of a DRI complex based on MIDREX Flex® technology to be built in the Benghazi region. TOSYALI SULB Steel Industries, formed by TOSYALI and Libya United Steel Company for Iron & Steel Industry (SULB), will commence the first phase with the construction of a 2.5-million-ton cold DRI (CDRI) plant.
TOSYALI SULB will utilize MIDREX® technology, similar to the two DRI plants operated by TOSYALI Algerie in Bethioua (Oran), Algeria. The MIDREX Flex® technology allows the plants to initially operate with natural gas and transition to hydrogen as it becomes available, supporting green steel production.
The Libyan plant will supply CDRI to the nearby region, and upon completion, TOSYALI SULB will be a key global supplier of DRI.
Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of TOSYALI Holding, expressed excitement about using their expertise to transform the Libyan steel industry into a producer of high-quality green steel products with low carbon emissions. He highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions.
Ahmed Gadalla, Chairman of SULB, emphasized that the project would expand Libya's DRI export capability and contribute to green steelmaking and decarbonization, supporting Libya's economic development and industrial infrastructure.
Midrex Technologies, Inc. and its consortium partner, Paul Wurth of the SMS group, will supply the DRI plant. TOSYALI 1 and TOSYALI 2, other DRI plants operated by TOSYALI, commenced production in 2018 and 2024, respectively.
K.C. Woody, President & CEO of Midrex, expressed gratitude for TOSYALI’s trust in their technology and commitment to decarbonization goals. Thomas Hansmann, Chief Technology Officer of SMS group, highlighted the strong collaboration and long-standing partnership with TOSYALI, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable practices.
