Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHertha Metals announced on October 8, 2026, that it had broken ground on Hertha Chalyx, a planned commercial iron plant in Conroe, Texas. The company says the roughly $100 million facility is designed to produce about 10,000 metric tons per year of combined steel-grade and magnet-grade high-purity iron. Those are planned figures: Chalyx is not yet producing commercial volumes, and Hertha expects it to come online in late 2027. Hertha Metals announcement
What Hertha Metals is building
Chalyx is planned next to Hertha’s Pi100 pilot plant in Conroe. Hertha says it will use domestic iron ore, primarily from Minnesota’s Iron Range, along with Texas natural gas. CV Engineering is the engineering, procurement and construction partner; Hertha says it will lead engineering and construction through completion. Hertha Metals announcement
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The announced capacity—about 10,000 metric tons annually—is the combined output of steel-grade and magnet-grade high-purity iron, not 10,000 tons of each product. Hertha says magnet-grade production is expected to begin in early 2028, after the plant’s anticipated late-2027 start-up. Both dates are company plans, not completed milestones. Hertha Metals announcement
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How the proposed process works
Hertha describes its process as a single-step route: iron ore and natural gas enter one furnace, where control of the process chemistry is intended to yield either liquid steel or high-purity iron. The company says its furnace can use low-grade iron ore fines that blast furnaces and direct-reduction plants cannot use.
#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
Hertha claims the process could make iron and steel at 25% lower cost than the blast-furnace route. It also claims emissions could be about 50% lower with natural gas, or up to 98% lower with hydrogen. These are company comparisons; its announcement does not supply independent validation or a detailed comparison methodology. The figures should therefore be read as claims, not verified performance of the commercial plant. Hertha Metals announcement
A 2024 U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program peer-review presentation described an earlier project phase, including goals for processing low-grade ore and demonstrating the technology at pilot scale. It identified slag-bath containment, iron-oxide reduction rates and scale-up as technical barriers at that time. That historical context does not establish which, if any, of those issues remain unresolved in 2026. U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen Program peer-review presentation
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
Why the first target market is rare-earth magnets
Hertha says Chalyx will prioritize high-purity iron for U.S. rare-earth magnet manufacturers. The facility is also intended to produce iron and steel for trials with steel producers and manufacturers. The company identifies NdFeB permanent magnets—used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, data centers, robotics and defense systems—as a key application for the material. Hertha Metals announcement
In its October 2026 announcement, Hertha says high-purity iron accounts for about 70% of NdFeB magnet weight and estimates that China produces 94% of the high-purity iron used in those magnets. The company also reports that Pi100 achieved 99.95% purity, which it says meets specifications required by top magnet manufacturers. These figures are company-reported; the announcement does not present independent audits. Hertha Metals announcement
Rank #3
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Hertha says it is actively qualifying as a supplier with major U.S. rare-earth magnet producers. That work is not the same as completed qualification or a signed supply contract. The commercial plant’s ability to meet customer requirements at scale remains to be demonstrated.
What the groundbreaking does—and does not—establish
- Established: Hertha announced a groundbreaking at its Conroe site on October 8, 2026, and named CV Engineering as the EPC partner. Hertha Metals announcement
- Planned: Chalyx is designed for roughly 10,000 metric tons per year of combined steel-grade and magnet-grade high-purity iron, with a roughly $100 million estimated cost. Hertha expects start-up in late 2027 and magnet-grade output in early 2028. Hertha Metals announcement
- Not yet demonstrated commercially: the announced output, customer qualification, cost and emissions performance are future objectives or company claims, not operating results from Chalyx.
Hertha says successful commercial operation could provide a foundation for a future iron and steel mill of about 500,000 metric tons per year. That larger facility is an ambition contingent on Chalyx’s success, not capacity under construction now. Hertha Metals announcement
Rank #4
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
What to watch as construction advances
The consequential milestones are completion and commissioning of Chalyx, proof that the furnace can sustain commercial operation, actual product mix and output, and qualification by magnet customers. Published operating data would also be needed to test the company’s cost and emissions comparisons against a clearly defined baseline. Until those milestones occur, the project represents a move from pilot-scale work toward commercial demonstration—not a proven source of U.S. magnet-grade iron at the announced scale.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Milwaukee Ink all Fine Point Marker, Black, 4 Per Pack
- 4 per pack Features Clog Resistant Marker Tip Writes through Dusty, Wet and Oily Surfaces Durable Marker Tip for Writing on Concrete, OSB and Rough Surfaces
- Clog resistant tip writes on dusty, wet and oily surfaces and is optimized for rough surfaces such as OSB, cinderblock and concrete
- Hard hat clip- attaches for easy access
- Quick dry time with reduced smearing and marking
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
