Hatch has in-depth expertise in the major direct reduction and direct smelting processes. Hatch has designed and constructed several major direct-reduction iron (DRI) and hot-briquetted iron (HBI) facilities. In fact Hatch has been among the pioneers in the development of DRI plants.

Hatch also successfully designed and constructed the materials handling, infrastructure and beneficiation plant for BHP Billiton’s HBI facility in Port Hedland, Western Australia, and reviewed the design, construction, commissioning and ongoing operation support for the Direct Reduction Plant.

Hatch has also carried out several feasibility and comparative studies, and reviews of gas-and-coal-based direct reduction and direct smelting processes for hematite and magnetite ores.