Hertha Metals announced a breakthrough single-step steelmaking process converting low-grade iron ore directly into molten steel or high-purity iron, achieving 30% energy efficiency improvements compared to conventional blast furnace methods. The Houston-based company operates a continuous 1 metric ton per day pilot plant since late 2024, validating technology processing diverse feedstocks including low-purity ores, fines, & millscale waste. Hertha secured over $17 million from Khosla Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, & other investors, planning a 9,000 metric tons per year facility by January 2026 producing high-purity iron for rare earth magnets, addressing United States dependency on Chinese imports exceeding 90% of consumption.