Technologies for lowering CO2 emissions in the metals industry

Iron & steel is one of the highest emitting industrial sub-sectors, being responsible for approximately 8% of the global CO₂ emissions corresponding to 3 - 3.5 GtCO₂eq per annum. Lowering emissions in this sector is a must to reach the targets set in the Paris agreement. Within the coming years, we expect to see the biggest changes in this industry since the industrial revolution.

The role of smart state-of-the-art technology is key in the efficient reduction of emissions. Already today, there are excellent solutions available to cut down the emissions in the metals industry. Metso Outotec’s three proprietary process technologies – Ferrochrome Smelting, Copper Flash Smelting, and Alumina Calcination – are prime examples of solutions that have the capability to make the big difference. Using these leading-edge technologies, our customers in the metals industry reduced their CO₂ emissions close to 6 million tonnes in 2020. Almost two thirds of the reduction resulted from ferrochrome smelting, which is the most important alloy in the production of stainless steel – the most used material in the world.

Planet Positive thinking at the core

At Metso Outotec, we are striving for a net positive impact on the planet and we are committed to limiting global warming to 1.5 °C. Planet Positive thinking, which is our all-encompassing approach to sustainability, has always been inherent in Metso Outotec’s solutions for the metals industry.

Our Ferrochrome Smelting process is the most effective and environmentally sustainable ferrochrome production method. It consists of proprietary technologies with a steel belt sintering process combined with preheated feed into the closed submerged arc furnace (SAF) using electrodes submerged in bath. This combination results in extremely low specific power consumption, low reductant and electrode consumption, and a very high throughput. The closed design also minimizes dust emissions into the plant environment and surrounding atmosphere.

In copper processing, Metso Outotec’s Copper Flash Smelting solution is the most widely applied technology in the world, and also recognized as the cleanest technology available. Its continuous processing with lowest energy consumption in the copper sulphide smelting industry ensures efficient collection of the dust and gases.

Our Alumina Calcination process consists of the Circular Fluid Bed calciner combined with a high-efficient heat recovery system. This technology enables lower fuel energy consumption with less emissions.

These three technologies have already changed the industrial landscape significantly and will continue to do so. New steps in the development of the technology are taken continuously, and the industry is committed to excel with the production processes to ensure their licence to operate.

At Metso Outotec, we have recently outlined our Metals technology strategy areas for the future. As discussed in the beginning of this article, we foresee one of the next major shifts in the industry coming from carbon free production, and this has been selected as one our key focus areas. With the two main actions – the continuous development and renewal of our existing leading technologies together with generating new innovations for the future – we expect to continue making a huge contribution to our customers’ emissions footprint, and our own handprint.