Industries

Steel

Tailored Engineering Solutions for Steel Industry Challenges

Everything engineered for a stronger, more sustainable steel industry

Engineering the Future of Steel

The steel industry is evolving, with green steel, hydrogen-based production, and Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes shaping the next generation of steelmaking. Major industry players—including Fortescue, BlueScope, Rio Tinto, and BHP—are leading the charge with DRI pilot plants, Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, and new processing facilities in Western Australia.

Soto has been part of this industry’s transformation from the beginning, with its first major project being refractory engineering for the now-defunct HBI plant in Port Hedland. As Australia prepares for the revival of HBI and the shift to low-emission steel, Soto continues to provide engineering solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

With expertise in mechanical, structural, and pipework engineering, Soto supports both traditional and emerging steel production methods, ensuring projects are engineered for reliability, performance, and sustainability.

left

Australian owned and operated

Supporting sovereign capability with Australian ingenuity. As an end-to-end design house, we manage every stage in-house for seamless delivery and quality assurance.

left

Experience meets innovation

26+ years of expertise in heavy industry, integrating cutting-edge engineering solutions with real-world experience.

left

Partnership approach

We prioritise outcomes over cost, delivering value-driven engineering solutions that align with your long-term success.

Everything Engineered for Steelmaking

Iron & Steelmaking Infrastructure

Engineering high-performance systems that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in steel production.

  • Blast furnaces
  • Coke ovens
  • Sinter plants
  • Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and hydrogen-based steel processing
  • Cooling systems, hot blast mains, and dust catchers
  • Slag handling and casthouse floor design

Processing & Handling Systems

Optimising material flow, production efficiency, and process reliability across steel manufacturing operations.

  • Metal coating process lines
  • Steel processing lines
  • Bulk materials handling for stockyards and stockhouse plants
  • Conveyor structures and engineering

Construction & Site Infrastructure

Soto’s expertise in mechanical and pipework design ensures efficient metal coating process lines that enhance product quality and minimise waste. Our tailored solutions improve operational efficiency and support industry standards for surface treatments.

Specialist Engineering Services for the Steel Industry

Applying advanced analysis, modelling, and integrity assessments to optimise performance, reliability and constructability.

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • 3D Modelling and Digital Prototyping
  • Structural Integrity Assessments
  • Process Simulation and Optimisation

Engineering strength, performance, and innovation in steel

The steel industry is evolving, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen-based steelmaking and DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) technology are paving the way toward net zero, and Soto is at the forefront of engineering solutions that support this transition.

Hydrogen-Ready Infrastructure

Engineering for gas handling, combustion systems, and fuel conversion.

Structural and mechanical solutions for DRI and EAF technology

Supporting the next generation of steel plants.

Energy-efficient processing

Optimising heat transfer, materials handling, and emissions control in green steel production.

Structural engineering

Robust, high-performance structures designed to withstand extreme heat, heavy loads, and continuous operation, ensuring safety, longevity, and reduced maintenance costs.

Mechanical engineering

Optimised equipment and system designs that enhance process efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve sustainability, supporting advanced steel production methods, including hydrogen-based processing.

Pipework engineering

Precision-engineered pipework systems for gas handling, cooling networks, and process fluids, ensuring seamless integration, energy efficiency, and long-term performance.

Projects

Soto has worked with leading companies in resources, energy, and infrastructure, providing engineering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

Our diverse set of in house skills are ready 
to support your next project.

We bring diverse and extensive expertise to every project. Our team is equipped with a range of capabilities and services, including:

Services