Houston-based Hertha Metals announced validation of their revolutionary Flex-HERS steelmaking technology in July 2025, demonstrating a single-step process that produces steel 30% more efficiently than conventional methods. The company operates a continuous 1 metric ton-per-day pilot plant in Texas, processing low-grade ores into either steel or 99.97% purity iron. Backed by $17 million from Khosla Ventures & other investors, Hertha targets commercial production by 2031 with costs below traditional steel while addressing US dependence on Chinese high-purity iron imports.