Modern Mining August 2024

Steel and iron are heavily used in the construction of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbines.

Drill core collected from Kallak (source: Beowulf Mining).

The Kallak project’s exploration target areas (source: Beowulf Mining).

Jokkmokk Iron Mines AB’s Kallak project permit areas (source: Beowulf Mining).

set an interim target of 55 per cent emission reduction by 2030. To achieve this, various industries will have to fall in line with decarbonisation goals, not least, the steel industry. If steel were a nation, it would be the fifth largest producer of carbon emissions in the world Manufacturing steel is among the most carbon-intensive fabrication processes, producing approximately seven per cent of carbon dioxide emissions globally. On average, 1.83 tonnes of CO₂ are emitted for every tonne of steel produced. This is primarily due to high temperatures required to transform iron ore into steel, which is most often satisfied by burning coal. The energy intensity of steel manufacturing has stimulated many companies and governments to look into a cleaner

method of production; namely, green steel. Whilst the end product is no different from its heavily polluting counterpart, the green steel manufacturing process relies on non-fossil fuel sources, which, consequently, means that is produces near zero CO₂ emissions. By replacing coal with hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy and water, the carbon element of the process is removed. This, too, can be achieved with electricity produced from renewable energy sources. However, there are also demands placed on the quality of the raw material. Green steel is reliant on high-grade iron ore, which is not always easy to come by. This places an emphasis on the need for strong supply chains that connect high-grade iron ore mines, renewable fuel sources and green steel manufacturers. Sweden is arguably the paradigm of success in this regard.

AUGUST 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  11