Dr. Myoung Gyun Shin earned his Ph.D. in chemical metallurgy from Seoul National University in 1994, specializing in advanced metallurgical processes. His professional journey began in 1993 when he joined the Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technologies, focusing on the development of the FINEX® process. During the early stages, he contributed to pilot-scale research and development, laying the groundwork for future commercialization. After the successful completion of the pilot phase, Dr. Shin moved to POSCO in 2001 to lead efforts in bringing FINEX® technology to industrial application. Within POSCO’s FINEX® R&D department, he concentrated on process research, engineering, and optimization, particularly in fluidized bed reduction systems, guiding projects from demonstration scale to full commercial scale-up. His leadership resulted in several successful R&D initiatives that significantly improved FINEX process performance and efficiency. From 2021 to 2022, Dr. Shin served as head of the Low Carbon Process Research Group in POSLAB, where he spearheaded the development of the HyREX® process, a next-generation low-carbon ironmaking technology. Building on this success, he became head of the Low Carbon Iron and Steel Making R&D Center from 2023 to 2025, overseeing POSCO’s comprehensive low-carbon technology programs, including HyREX®. Since 2025, Dr. Shin has been a Research Fellow at the Future Steel R&D Center, continuing his dedication to advancing HyREX® technology and contributing to POSCO’s vision of sustainable, environmentally friendly steel production for the future.

Engineer and applied scientist with 14 years of experience spanning iron ore mining, academia, and sintering and ironmaking. Holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Western Australia, specialising in carbon dioxide transport in porous media, and a BSc (Geology & Chemistry), First Class Honours from the University of Wollongong. Began career as a geologist with BHP in Pilbara iron ore operations, developing strong orebody characterisation capability, quality control practices, and understanding of the impact of geology on downstream processing. Progressed into academic research focused on porous media behaviour, low-field NMR measurement, and fluid transport mechanisms, providing a strong foundation in experimental method design, quantitative analysis, and microstructure–property interpretation. At BlueScope, works across Raw Materials and Sintering Technology & Development, leading investigations into sintering performance, raw materials variability, and ironmaking behaviour. Integrates material characterisation with plant data and modelling to improve productivity, stability, quality outcomes. Recognised for translating research into industrial practice and operating effectively at the interface between production, technical leadership, and research partners. Possesses a deep understanding of the iron value chain, from ore deposit characteristics through to sinter bed behaviour and blast furnace operation.

Mr. Shinya Kato is a Senior Manager with 26 years of professional experience in the ironmaking division at JFE Steel Corporation, Japan. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for ironmaking operations and technical management at domestic and overseas sites. For the past three years, he has been working at JFE Steel’s headquarters as a member of the Technical Solution Department, where he is involved in providing technical support and solutions related to ironmaking processes.His extensive operational experience and practical expertise contribute to improving productivity, operational stability, and overall performance across ironmaking operations.

Dr Nathan Webster is a Principal Research Scientist and the Group Leader of the Microbeam and Diffraction Group of the Characterisation Program in CSIRO Mineral Resources. He has significant expertise and experience in X-ray diffraction-based quantitative mineral and material phase analysis, including clay identification and quantification, as well as in-situ diffraction analysis to characterise the evolution of mineral and/or material phase chemistry as a function of temperature, pressure and atmosphere. Nathan has authored more than 80 journal publications, 1 book chapter, 10 conference proceedings publications, and has an H-index of 26. He has also authored more than 100 reports for industrial clients.

Natalie Ware has a science degree from the University of Newcastle and has worked at CSIRO since 1998. She has mainly worked mainly in iron ore processing on a number of projects involving beneficiation, characterisation and agglomeration. The main forcus of her work now is laboratory scale sintering.