NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA 17 JUNE 2026: ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Australia together with the Austrian Embassy in Canberra, were proud to attend the official opening of Myrtle, the world's first fully integrated multi-purpose carbon refinery, in Newcastle, New South Wales. Developed by Australian clean technology company MCi Carbon, the facility represents a major milestone in global industrial decarbonisation and demonstrates how innovative international partnerships are accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The opening ceremony brought together leaders from government, industry and research, with Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, officially inaugurating the facility.
Among the distinguished guests was Her Excellency Elisabeth Köegler, Ambassador of Austria to Australia, who addressed attendees and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in driving the next generation of clean industrial technologies.
A new pathway for industrial decarbonisation
Built on more than 15 years of Australian research and development, Myrtle introduces a new model for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries. Rather than treating carbon dioxide as a waste product, MCi Carbon's mineral carbonation technology permanently transforms captured CO₂ and low-value mineral feedstocks into valuable carbon-embodied materials used in concrete, plasterboard, paints, paper, glass, adhesives and other construction products.
The process permanently locks carbon into stable mineral compounds while producing commercially valuable materials, creating an attractive business case for industries seeking to reduce emissions. Unlike many decarbonisation technologies that rely primarily on regulatory compliance or carbon pricing, Myrtle demonstrates that emissions reduction can also generate new revenue opportunities.
Designed as a flexible "carbon refinery", the facility can process a range of industrial CO₂ streams and mineral feedstocks, providing a scalable solution for industries including cement, steel, mining and chemicals. At its current scale, Myrtle can convert up to 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually into approximately 10,000 tonnes of saleable products, while serving as an industrial demonstration facility for future commercial projects worldwide.
Austrian partnership driving commercial deployment
Austria plays an important role in the commercialisation of this breakthrough technology through RHI Magnesita, the Austrian-headquartered global leader in refractory products. Following an extensive global review of available decarbonisation technologies, RHI Magnesita selected MCi Carbon as its strategic partner and has invested more than USD 10 million to support the technology's commercial development.
Myrtle is now undertaking its first commercial validation campaign with RHI Magnesita, generating the technical, operational and commercial data required to support the development of a first commercial-scale facility at the company's Austrian operations. The planned project aims to produce more than 200,000 tonnes of green minerals annually while permanently utilising around 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, with commissioning targeted by 2030.
This collaboration represents a significant example of how Austrian industrial leadership is contributing to the development and deployment of innovative climate technologies with global application.
International cooperation at the heart of innovation
The opening of Myrtle highlighted the strength of international cooperation in advancing industrial decarbonisation. Alongside Australian government representatives, the ceremony welcomed ambassadors, industry leaders, investors and research organisations from around the world.
In her address, Ambassador Elisabeth Köegler emphasised the importance of international partnerships in transforming innovative research into commercially successful industrial solutions. The collaboration between Australian technology developers and Austrian industry demonstrates how shared expertise can accelerate the transition towards more sustainable manufacturing while strengthening economic ties between both countries.
The project has attracted significant international investment, including support from Japan through ITOCHU Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and Mitsubishi UBE Cement Corporation, alongside Australia's Orica and Austria's RHI Magnesita. This global consortium reflects growing confidence in mineral carbonation as an important technology for reducing emissions from some of the world's most carbon-intensive industries.
The opening of Myrtle reinforces the strong and growing relationship between Australia and Austria in advanced manufacturing, clean technologies and industrial innovation. It demonstrates the value of combining Australia's world-class research capabilities with Austria's industrial expertise to develop commercially viable solutions that can be deployed globally.
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA congratulates MCi Carbon, RHI Magnesita and all project partners on this landmark achievement. We look forward to continuing to support collaborations that strengthen bilateral trade, promote technological innovation and contribute to the global transition towards a more sustainable industrial future.
