Our Responsibility for the Environment and Climate

The environment is a key priority that runs throughout our entire value chain, from mining and transportation to the control and management of processes at our facilities. The most significant environmental impact at our facilities producing burnt products is CO2 emissions. Accordingly, ambitious targets have been set to halve these emissions by 2033 as part of our future concept, ZEQL.

Our environmental work is guided by an overarching Operational Policy that covers environment, quality, health, and safety.

SMA Mineral is certified to ISO 14001. We continuously work to prevent environmental risks and to minimise our impact on the climate and environment by applying Best Available Techniques (BAT) and methods within the cement and calcium industries. We also aim to phase out products hazardous to health and the environment, increase resource efficiency, and reduce our carbon emissions.

The scope and methods for mining and lime burning are risk-assessed with regard to environmental impact. Local sites where raw materials are processed - such as crushing, grinding, burning, and slaking - are similarly tested and risk-assessed. These risk assessments are evaluated and updated regularly, and whenever significant changes occur.

Improvement proposals and any deviations are recorded in our deviation management system, SMACASE. The system documents the cause of the deviation, planned corrective actions, the responsible person, and the timeframe for completion.

Environmental Permits

SMA Mineral’s operations are governed and regulated by environmental permits issued by the relevant authorities. As part of the Environmental Code’s permitting process, society’s needs and the environment’s capacity to withstand impact are assessed, and SMA Mineral is granted a permit authorising the operation. The permits specify the requirements that must be met during operations.

Management of Emissions and Pollution

An assessment of the risks of pollutant emissions from the company’s operations is carried out in connection with applications for environmental permits. Emission limit values for air, land, and water are established within these permits. Based on the environmental permit, a monitoring programme is developed. Our facilities operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 330–365 days per year.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

When the carbonate minerals limestone and dolomite are processed into burnt lime and burnt dolomite, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere - both from the raw stone material and from the fuels used.

Improved Resource Efficiency

Protecting the resources we use in our production is an important area of responsibility for SMA Mineral. Our 2020–2030 roadmap includes major improvements in material efficiency and circular economy practices.

Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy

Protecting the resources we use in our production is a central part of SMA Mineral’s sustainability work. Through our 2020–2033 roadmap, we have clearly defined how we will increase material efficiency and strengthen the transition to a circular economy across the entire value chain.

Waste

The waste generated by our operations must not cause harm or pose a risk to human health or the environment. At our facilities, waste is stored in a manner that ensures any hazardous substances present cannot be released into the environment, even in the event of an accident.

Biodiversity

SMA Mineral operates in close proximity to natural areas, including regions covered by nature conservation programmes and protected areas. The company works to limit negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity and has a responsibility to ensure the survival of protected and threatened species in and around mining areas, as well as to restrict emissions that may have an indirect negative effect. Biodiversity is therefore a priority and one of the company’s strategic objectives.

Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

SMA Mineral reports its greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, categorised into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. The reporting covers all operations within the Group and is based on a combination of primary data and calculated emissions using internationally recognised emission factors. The purpose is to provide a transparent and comparable view of the Group’s climate impact and to enable a structured approach to long-term emission reductions.

SMA Mineral AB
Box 329
682 27 Filipstad
SWEDEN

+46 590 - 164 00
sma@smamineral.com

Our Responsibility for the Environment and Climate

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