Top 10 Companies in the Iron Ore Pellets Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Global Steel Production

In Business Insights
June 02, 2025

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The Global Iron Ore Pellets Market was valued at USD 51.52 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 66.64 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.79% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This growth is driven by increasing steel production, energy-efficient blast furnace operations, and the rapid adoption of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) technologies worldwide.

As steelmakers accelerate decarbonization efforts, iron ore pellets have become essential due to their high iron content (65%-70%) and lower emissions compared to alternatives. Here we analyze the Top 10 Companies Dominating the Iron Ore Pellets Market – from mining giants to specialized pellet producers shaping steel’s sustainable future.


🔟 1. Vale S.A.

Headquarters: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Key Offering: Blast Furnace & Direct Reduction Pellets

The world’s largest iron ore producer operates pellet plants with 63 million metric tons annual capacity. Vale dominates the Brazilian market with high-grade pellets shipped globally through dedicated terminals.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 33% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions targeted by 2030
  • 98% byproduct recycling rate at Tubarão facilities
  • Pioneering carbon-neutral pelletizing technologies

Download FREE Sample Report: Iron Ore Pellets Market – View Detailed Report


9️⃣ 2. Rio Tinto

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: IOCJ Pellets (Canada), Robe Valley Pellets (Australia)

Rio Tinto’s integrated operations span Canada and Australia, supplying premium pellets to North American and Asian steel mills. Their plants utilize proprietary low-emission technologies.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • Electrolytic iron pilot plant in development
  • Strategic hydrogen-based DRI partnerships

8️⃣ 3. BHP

Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Key Offering: Pilbara hematite pellets

BHP’s automated Jimblebar plant delivers high-quality pellets from Australia’s mineral-rich Pilbara region, primarily serving Asian steel markets.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 30% operational GHG reduction target by 2030
  • ArcelorMittal carbon-neutral steelmaking JV

7️⃣ 4. Fortescue Metals

Headquarters: Perth, Australia
Key Offering: Iron Bridge magnetite pellets (67% Fe)

Fortescue’s Iron Bridge project revolutionized pellet quality, transitioning from hematite to premium magnetite products for high-end markets.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • Green hydrogen development for pelletizing
  • Renewable energy-powered production

Download FREE Sample Report: Iron Ore Pellets Market – View Detailed Report


6️⃣ 5. ArcelorMittal

Headquarters: Luxembourg
Key Offering: Custom pellet formulations

The steel giant operates captive pellet plants across North America and Europe, optimizing blends for specific furnace requirements.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 25% CO₂ reduction target by 2030
  • Multiple hydrogen DRI projects underway

5️⃣ 6. Anglo American

Headquarters: London, UK
Key Offering: Kumba pellets (South Africa)

Anglo American’s Sishen mine operations produce high-performance pellets for domestic and export markets, with unique technical solutions.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 30% emissions reduction commitment
  • 50% reduced freshwater usage through recycling

4️⃣ 7. HBIS Group

Headquarters: Shijiazhuang, China
Key Offering: High-basicity pellets

China’s second-largest steelmaker operates massive pellet facilities specifically designed for domestic blast furnace needs.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • Ultra-low emission plants meeting 2025 standards
  • Hydrogen-ready pelletizing partnership with Tenova

3️⃣ 8. Cleveland-Cliffs

Headquarters: Ohio, USA
Key Offering: North American fluxed pellets

Following strategic acquisitions, Cleveland-Cliffs became a fully integrated miner-steelmaker supplying ArcelorMittal USA.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • 25% CO₂ intensity reduction by 2030
  • Energy-efficient induration processes

Download FREE Sample Report: Iron Ore Pellets Market – View Detailed Report


2️⃣ 9. LKAB Group

Headquarters: Luleå, Sweden
Key Offering: Premium DRI pellets (68-71% Fe)

Europe’s top iron ore producer specializes in ultra-high-grade magnetite pellets ideal for hydrogen-based steelmaking.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • Carbon-free production roadmap by 2045
  • Zero-dust hydraulic handling systems

1️⃣ 10. Metalloinvest

Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
Key Offering: Lebedinsky & Mikhailovsky pellets

Russia’s leading pellet producer operates Europe’s largest single-site complexes, exporting primarily to Asia and the Middle East.

Sustainability Leadership:

  • State-of-the-art pelletizing technologies
  • Waste heat recovery systems

Get Full Report: Iron Ore Pellets Market – View Detailed Report


🌍 Market Outlook: The Pelletization Revolution

The iron ore pellet sector stands at a pivotal moment as steel decarbonization accelerates. Premium pellets are becoming the preferred feedstock for both traditional and emerging steelmaking technologies.

📈 Key Industry Trends:

  • Magnetite capacity expansion for DRI applications
  • Miners-steelmakers partnerships for low-carbon solutions
  • Digital quality control and logistics optimization
  • Growing $30-$50/ton pellet premium over fines

Get Full Report: Iron Ore Pellets Market – View Detailed Report

These industry leaders aren’t just raw material suppliers – they’re engineering partners enabling steel’s sustainable transformation through advanced pellet solutions.