A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials has developed an innovative method to extract nickel from low-grade ores using hydrogen plasma. This approach aims to reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with traditional nickel extraction processes. By utilizing a hydrogen plasma in an electric arc furnace, the team was able to extract 74-78% of the nickel content from the ores in a single step, producing ferronickel with minimal impurities. This high-quality product could be directly used in the stainless steel industry without the need for further refining. The new process stands out for its energy efficiency and environmental benefits, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional techniques. However, the economic feasibility of the method hinges on the use of green hydrogen, which is more expensive than carbon-based reducing agents. Despite this challenge, the researchers believe that by eliminating refining steps and saving energy, their plasma process could still be cost-competitive. As the team plans to scale up the reactor, one of the key challenges they face is ensuring a continuous supply of molten ore to maintain the reaction efficiency. The success of this innovative technique could have significant implications for the nickel industry, especially as global demand for nickel is expected to rise substantially in the coming years due to its use in various clean energy applications.