The object
Laureen Meroueh invented Hertha Metals’ continuous electric-arc steelmaking process, which combines ore reduction and melting in one furnace. The system can use low-grade domestic ore and electricity or hydrogen rather than a conventional coal-based multi-step route, targeting lower-emission steel and high-purity iron production.
What Laureen did
Invented a continuous electric-arc process that reduces low-grade iron ore to molten steel or high-purity iron in one furnace.
Why it matters
Hertha’s Houston demonstration plant began producing one ton of steel per day, providing a real-world validation of the single-step process.
Living-status check
MIT’s February 2026 report identifies Meroueh as Hertha Metals’ CEO and founder while documenting the operating Houston demonstration plant and the company’s scale-up work.