2023 has been an eventful year. Much has happened that is connected in various ways to our long-term sustainability work.
Interuption at Gåsgruvan
SMA Mineral has for several years worked on thorough preparations to obtain a new environmental permit for operations at Gåsgruvan, Filipstad.
The main hearing in the case was held at the end of March 2023. Before the ruling came, the existing permit expired, and the operation was forced to shut down at the end of April. In mid-May, the decision came that the Land and Environmental Court rejected the application.
SMA Mineral appealed the decision to the Land and Environment Court of Appeal, Svea Court of Appeal, in mid-June, and permission to appeal was granted at the end of October. SMA Mineral hopes that the case will be reviewed in the first quarter of 2024 and that a decision will be made no later than the second quarter.
SMA Mineral and SaltX Launches ZEQL
SMA Mineral and SaltX have been collaborating since the spring of 2022 to jointly create an electrified process for the production of climate-neutral lime on an industrial scale.
On June 7, 2023, the parties launched the jointly developed factory concept and brand ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime).
The Dialogue with our Employees Continues
The Winningtemp tool has proven to be very valuable for gathering feedback on important issues from our employees. This is a step towards achieving our strategic goal of engaged employees.
CO2-hub Nordland
SMA has participated in a unique Carbon Capture pilot project in Mo i Rana. The project, which took place during 2022-2023, is the first of its kind in Europe.
The project aims to capture carbon dioxide from the flue gases of both companies by installing a CC pilot between Elkem and SMA Mineral's facilities, in order to investigate how to mix flue gases that differ in composition and carbon dioxide content. The project is now completed, and the results show good capture potential.
Letter of Intent with SSAB and Ovako
SMA Mineral signed a letter of intent with both SSAB and Ovako regarding a study for the use of lime from the ZEQL process. SMA Mineral already has a similar cooperation agreement with Celsa.
Quicklime is 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. By partially replacing quicklime with fly ash, carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere are reduced.
SaltX Inaugurates Pilot Plant for the Production of Climate-neutral Lime
On November 16, a significant step was taken towards fossil-free lime production. In the cold, grey November weather, more than 100 eager guests gathered to attend the inauguration of SaltX's new pilot plant in Hofors. SMA Mineral was present at the event.
Sustainability certified According to Fair Transport
SMA Mineral AB has been certified according to Fair Transport, the Swedish Hauliers' sustainability certification for road freight transportation.
The certification verifies that we follow and respect the hauliers' work and development in terms of climate and environment, traffic safety, and social responsibility.
Test Delivery to SSAB
At the end of November, just a few weeks after SaltX inaugurated the test facility ECRC (Electric Calciner Research Center) in Hofors, the first test delivery was made to SSAB.
