Mining clients require solutions that not only ensure technical performance and operational reliability, but also allow for a measurable reduction of their carbon footprint, particularly in Scope 3, one of the most complex to manage. Likewise, there is a clear need to continue making concrete progress in decarbonizing the mining value chain, especially regarding indirect emissions (Scope 3, associated with critical inputs for the operation of large mining companies).
CO2Lite: Applied innovation for Scope 3 decarbonization
In this context, ME Elecmetal, through its Grinding Media division and with its partner Long Teng (ME Long Teng), developed CO2Lite, which was launched to the market in January 2024.
Based on extensive and diverse specialized literature and key sources such as the Chilean Copper Commission and the International Council on Mining and Metals, the contribution of grinding balls can represent up to 78% of Scope 3, after energy and explosives. Therefore, the positive impact of making an innovation of this nature available is a major boost for cleaning the mining value chain of indirect scopes. Meeting this demand requires rethinking traditional production processes, incorporating circular economy principles and developing technological replacements that generate lower real environmental impact without compromising operational efficiency.
Verified environmental impact
After the launch of CO2Lite, a low carbon footprint grinding ball line, verification of carbon emissions in its process was obtained and according to this certificate, based on ISO 14064 and 14067 granted by Bureau Veritas in September 2024 and valid until the same month in 2026, it was certified that, compared to the manufacture of a conventional ball in a blast furnace and based on ore as the primary input, production in EAF and with scrap as the main input, CO2Lite reduces carbon emission intensity per ton produced by 60%, which is equivalent to going from an intensity of 2.5 tCO2eq/ton to 0.8 tCO2eq/ton, which in the long run becomes the emission factor we are able to transfer to our clients without losing quality and performance.
This ball has already been implemented at Los Pelambres by Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA). The solution is based on a differential production process that combines intensive use of reused raw material (scrap) and electric arc furnaces (EAF), significantly reducing emissions associated with its manufacture. Thanks to this approach, CO2Lite grinding balls achieve a reduction of over 60% in carbon footprint compared to traditional solutions, directly contributing to the client’s decarbonization strategy.
Industry recognition at Minera Los Pelambres
The implementation of CO2Lite at Minera Los Pelambres was recognized by AMSA during the Annual Meeting “Suppliers for a Better Future,” where ME Elecmetal was distinguished in the Sustainability pillar.
“CO2Lite demonstrates how applied innovation and the circular economy can generate a concrete impact on mining decarbonization. Reducing the carbon footprint of a key input like grinding balls by more than 60%, and directly contributing to our clients’ Scope 3, reflects the value of working collaboratively to build more sustainable mining.”
More than a product: a value proposition
CO2Lite represents the convergence of innovation, circularity, and collaboration with the client. It is not just a product, but a value proposition that:
- Incorporates circular economy principles, recovering and reusing scrap as the main input.
- Uses more efficient production technologies with lower emission intensity.
- Allows clients to significantly reduce their carbon footprint in Scope 3, an increasingly relevant aspect in mining ESG commitments.
- Maintains the standards of quality, performance, and reliability demanded by world-class mining operations.
This recognition validates not only the environmental effectiveness of the solution but also ME Elecmetal’s role as a strategic partner capable of supporting its clients in transforming their supply chains toward more sustainable models.
A shared commitment to sustainable mining
At ME Elecmetal, we understand sustainability as a central axis of business strategy and as a joint construction with our clients. CO2Lite is a concrete example of how applied innovation can generate impact today, contributing to mining’s climate goals and laying the foundation for a more responsible and resilient industry.
We will continue to drive solutions that integrate operational performance, circular economy, and decarbonization, reaffirming our commitment to be a partner for sustainable mining.
