https://newsletter.mw.creamermedia.com
Energy|Export|Gas|Iron Ore|PROJECT|Resources|Steel|Environmental
Energy|Export|Gas|Iron Ore|PROJECT|Resources|Steel|Environmental
energy|export|gas|iron-ore|project|resources|steel|environmental

Iran conflict highlights need for North American iron-ore pellet capacity

The BlackRock iron-ore pellet project will be located near infrastructure, situated on the Port of Saguenay.

The BlackRock iron-ore pellet project will be located near infrastructure, situated on the Port of Saguenay.

12th March 2026

By: Creamer Media Reporter

     

Font size: - +

Canada-based Strategic Resources says the ongoing tensions in Iran and the Persian Gulf underscore the need to accelerate development of iron-ore pellet capacity in North America, as geopolitical risks threaten supply chains.

The company said the Middle East and Gulf region have become key hubs for iron-ore pellet production and export over the past decade, supplying a significant share of global seaborne pellet trade to direct reduced iron and steel producers in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

However, disruptions to shipping routes and energy markets linked to the conflict are tightening already constrained supplies of pellets and high-grade iron-ore, while adding volatility for steelmakers pursuing decarbonisation strategies.

CEO Sean Cleary said the situation highlighted the risks of concentrating supply in geopolitically sensitive regions.

“The conflict in the Gulf is a clear reminder that concentrating a large portion of the world's iron-ore pellet supply in one geopolitically sensitive region creates real risk for steel producers and their customers,” he said.

“If we want reliable access to high-quality pellets to support low-carbon steelmaking, we need to build more capacity in stable, resource-rich jurisdictions like Canada and the rest of North America.”

Strategic Resources is advancing the BlackRock project at Port Saguenay, in Quebec, which the company describes as the most advanced new pellet capacity project in North America.

Phase 1 of the project is planned to produce four-million tonnes a year of high-quality iron-ore pellets, aimed at supplying steelmakers in Canada, the US and Europe.

The facility is expected to be powered by Quebec’s hydroelectric grid and connected to a natural gas pipeline, supporting lower-carbon pellet production for steelmakers transitioning to cleaner technologies.

The project is currently progressing through the provincial environmental authorisation amendment process.

Edited by Mariaan Webb
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

Article Enquiry

Email Article

Save Article

Feedback

To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Showroom

Iritron
Iritron

Iritron delivers advanced automation, control, and optimisation solutions to the Mining, Minerals & Metals, Consumer Package Goods and...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Multotec
Multotec

Multotec, recognised industry leaders in metallurgy and process engineering help mining houses across the world process minerals more efficiently,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Resources Watch
Resources Watch
11th March 2026

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.059 0.153s - 105pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now