SaltX, SMA Mineral and SSAB are entering a pre-study on using new technology for climate-neutral quicklime production
SaltX Technology, SMA Mineral, and SSAB are entering a pre-study on how a new technology to produce climate-neutral quicklime can be applied in SSAB's steelmaking process. The technology, which SaltX is developing, aims to replace fossil fuels with renewable electricity in quick-lime production. In the production of ore-based steel, quicklime is needed as a slag former.
The parties have signed a Letter of Intent, which intends to transition into a long-term cooperation agreement if the outcome of the preliminary study is positive. The study will be completed during the current year.
SaltX is in the industrialization phase of its lime production technology, EAC (Electric Arc Calciner), which aims to replace fossil fuels with renewable electricity in a process known as calcination. In it, limestone is heated to elevated temperatures, and the carbon dioxide that is then released is isolated and separated. The technology makes it possible to produce quicklime without emissions from fossil fuels and carbon dioxide from the calcination process.
SMA Mineral and SaltX plan to start the construction of their first joint plant for calcination in 2023 with the goal of supplying around 40,000 tons of climate-neutral quicklime primarily to the steel industry in 2025.
“SSAB is clear that they want climate-neutral quicklime for their steel production. With the new electrified production facilities, we are building together with SaltX, we have good opportunities in the long term to be able to meet the demand from both SSAB and other players”, says Svante Fielding, CEO of SMA Mineral.
“The steel industry is a major emitter of carbon dioxide, and SSAB's work to produce fossil-free steel is a model for the entire industry. That we at SaltX, with our innovation for electrified calcination, can further speed up this transition makes me both proud and hopeful”, says Carl-Johan Linér, CEO of SaltX Technology.
For more information, please contact:
Carl-Johan Linér, CEO, +46 70 532 08 08
Harald Bauer, CFO, +46 70 810 80 34
About SaltX Technology:
SaltX Technology is a Swedish greentech company that develops and markets sustainable technology that benefits customers, the climate and society. The company operates in large-scale energy storage solutions and electrification technology for mainly the lime and cement industry. SaltX Technology's share is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market. More information, visit: www.saltxtechnology.com.
About SSAB:
SSAB is a global steel company that is a world leader in high-strength steel and related services. Our vision is to contribute to a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world. SSAB aims to become the first steel company in the world to offer fossil-free steel on the market by 2026, and to largely remove carbon dioxide emissions from its own operations around 2030. For more information, visit: www.ssab.com
About SMA Mineral:
SMA Mineral is one of the largest lime producers in the Nordics and supplies quicklime to the steel and paper & pulp industries, among others. For more information, visit: www.smamineral.se