Outokumpu (Helsinki, Finland) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boston Metal (Woburn, Mass.) to enhance the production of critical carbon-free metals vital for industries such as defense and aerospace.
Under the MoU, the companies intend to initiate a joint development project related to the use of Outokumpu’s high-quality chromium material in critical components of Boston Metal’s proprietary Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE) technology and to further improve Outokumpu’s operations’ efficiency and circularity.
Boston Metal MOE cell (source: Outokumou)
As part of the agreement, the two companies will focus on the following business and technology evaluations:
- Boston Metal will evaluate and test their MOE technology with the aim of further improving side-stream recycling within Outokumpu’s operations and improving Outokumpu’s overall circularity approach.
- Outokumpu will provide chrome-oxide and chromium feedstock which originated from their Kemi mine in Finland to Boston Metal with the aim to help expand and further secure the supply chain for its inert anode—an essential component of MOE for Green Steel.
“I’m extremely excited about the upcoming project with Boston Metal. This is a collaboration that can take the Outokumpu proprietary technology, announced at the company’s Capital Markets Day in early June 2025, into new heights and that provides a testing platform for Boston Metal’s MOE technology on side streams in the stainless-steel industry. The joint development showcases our ability and commitment to drive our newly announced EVOLVE strategy for 2026–2030 forward,” says Stefan Erdmann, Chief Technology Officer at Outokumpu.
Boston Metal’s MOE technology electrifies metals production, directly eliminating carbon emissions and enabling a zero-carbon pathway when paired with renewable energy. The company is currently commissioning its first commercial plant in Brazil for the production of high-value critical metals, such as niobium and tantalum. In parallel, the modular MOE technology is being scaled for high-volume applications, like iron and steel.
“By working with industry leader Outokumpu to explore multiple possibilities involving the chromium metal supply chain, Boston Metal will be better positioned to deliver a sustainable and profitable pathway to unlock new economic opportunities across the metals industry. We welcome the opportunity to deploy our MOE technology to help bring value to Outokumpu’s operations and advance sustainable metals production,” says Adam Rauwerdink, SVP of Business Development at Boston Metal.