2023 has been an eventful year. A lot has happened that in various ways is connected to our long-term sustainability work.
The largest and most important, but perhaps also the most challenging part of SMA Mineral’s sustainability responsibility is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, during the year 2023 we have had a strong focus on our future concept ZEQL – Zero Emission Quicklime. During the year, we also implemented several improvement measures in accordance with our social responsibility and corporate governance.
SMA MINERAL AND SALTX LAUNCH ZEQL
Since spring 2022, SMA Mineral and SaltX have cooperated to create an electrified process for the production of climate-neutral lime on an industrial scale. On June 7, 2023, the parties launched the joint factory concept and the ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime) brand.
CO2-HUB NORDLAND
SMA has participated in a unique Carbon Capture Pilot Project in Mo i Rana. The project, which ran from 2022-2023, is the first of its kind in Europe. With a CC pilot installed between Elkem and SMA Minerals’ plants, the project aims to capture carbon dioxide from the flue gases of both companies to investigate...
DOWNTIME IN GÅSGRUVAN
For many years SMA Mineral has carefully prepared the application of a new environmental permit for the operation in Gåsgruvan, Filipstad. The main hearing was held at the end of March 2023. Before the verdict came, the existing permit expired and the operation had to close at the end of April. In mid-May it was...
THE DIALOG WITH OUR EMPLOYEES CONTINUES
The Winningtemp tool has proved very valuable in collecting views on important issues from our employees. This is a step towards achieving our strategic goal of committed employees.
LETTER OF INTENT WITH SSAB AND OVAKO
SMA Mineral signed letters of intent with both SSAB and Ovako regarding studies for the use of lime from the ZEQL process. SMA Mineral already has a similar cooperation agreement with Celsa.
SALTX INAUGURATES TEST FACILITY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CLIMATE-NEUTRAL LIME
On November 16, a significant step was taken on the road to a fossil-free production of lime. In gray-cold November weather, more than 100 guests gathered to participate in the inauguration of SaltX’s new test facility in Hofors. SMA Mineral was there.
TEST DELIVERY TO SSAB
At the end of November, only a few weeks after SaltX inauguration of the ECRC (Electric Calciner Research Center) test facility in Hofors, the first test delivery was made to SSAB.
QUICKLIME MIXED WITH FLY ASH FROM THE PAPER INDUSTRY
The steel manufacturer Outokumpu, together with the metal research institute Swerim, has conducted tests where fly ash from the paper industry is mixed with lime for use as a slag former in steel production. SMA Mineral has been responsible for mixing and briquetting. As the fly ash partly replaces burnt lime, carbon dioxide emissions to...
SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO FAIR TRANSPORT
SMA Mineral AB has been certified according to Fair Transport, the Swedish hauliers’ sustainability certification for road freight transport. The certification verifies that we follow and respect the haulage companies’ work and development in terms of climate and environment, road safety and social responsibility.