SMA Mineral - A world full of lime
It is with great joy and pride that I present our sustainability report for the year 2023. Our commitment to sustainability permeates every aspect of our operations, and we have taken significant steps to ensure a responsible and long-term future.
We are determined to be fully prepared and meet the requirements of the CSRD. We also have a strong focus on GHG, with a clear goal to integrate Scope 3 into our reports. This means that we take responsibility for the entire value chain and ensure that the EU's ambitious goals are extended to our suppliers outside the EU as well. We welcome the fact that sustainability will now be given the same status as financial reporting – a company's success is no longer just economic, but also linked to balanced sustainability.
2023 was not without challenges and significant events that impacted our operations. The war in Ukraine led to limited access to fossil-free fuels, which forced us to temporarily revert to mineral oil at our Sandarne facility.
We were denied the application for continued operating permits at Gåsgruvan. The court decided to set a limit value despite the fact that the experts brought in by the court had a different opinion. The MMD has granted permission to appeal the ruling.
At the same time, our partner SaltX completed the ECRC, their test facility in Hofors, and SSAB placed the first order for ZEQL-produced lime, which showed very good results in Swerim's test facility.
Work on the first full-size ZEQL plant is in full swing, where we are investing in advanced plasma equipment from Scanarc, controlled by ABB. We have also established contact with companies to convert the CO₂ produced into fuel. The first production line for ZEQL will be completed in 2025. At the same time, we are constantly evaluating ideas and opportunities to transition current plants to CO₂-neutral production.
Our focus within sustainability work is to quickly reduce the large amount of CO₂ we emit into the atmosphere.
Technical solutions are being developed and tested intensively, but challenges remain. Ambiguous regulations around CO₂ classification and difficulties in obtaining necessary permits require our attention. We are determined to contribute to positive change, but decision-making and permits are key factors.
Lime extraction poses challenges, but there is currently no adequate alternative within the processes where lime is used. Lime is essential for the production of, for example, steel, paper, asphalt, cement, plastics, and in everything from water purification to improving farmland, animal feed, and more.
We are aware of the negative effects, but our society is strongly dependent on the versatility of lime, and we are at the forefront of the industry to transition to the most sustainable production possible.
We look forward to continuing our sustainability journey and thank you for your continued support.
Svante Fielding
CEO, SMA Mineral
SMA Mineral AB
Box 329
682 27 Filipstad
SWEDEN
