This essential mining input is developed with innovative technology based on electric arc furnaces that use recycled materials as raw material, contributing to our clients’ sustainability goals.
We launched the country’s first high-quality grinding ball with a low carbon footprint. This initiative will reduce by 50% the carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and delivery on site of this essential mining input, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to generating comprehensive solutions with standards of excellence that add value to our clients’ production processes.
Grinding balls have a high importance within all indirect emissions (called “Scope 3”) in mining, representing nearly 25% in Chile.
One of the myths about imported steel balls is that their carbon footprint increases significantly with transportation. However, this item accounts for only 4% of the footprint of the balls we deliver to our clients in Chile, while 83% of the carbon emissions come from the manufacturing of the steel bars used to make the balls and 13% from the manufacturing of the steel grinding balls themselves.
This innovation is the result of a collaboration between ME Elecmetal and the Chinese private firm Long Teng Steel, with an investment of US $200 million in a new steel mill with electric furnace technology currently in the commissioning phase.
“We are committed to the constant pursuit of increasingly sustainable products and thus contribute to other sectors of the economy deepening their environmental commitment. Therefore, this launch not only represents a significant technological advance but also a firm commitment to environmental preservation and the goals of this key sector for the country's development.”
This launch represents a major step with immediate impact on the carbon footprint reduction goals of Chilean mining, thanks to an investment of around US$ 200 million in a new steel mill by our strategic partner, the private company Long Teng Steel. That company adopted innovative technology based on electric arc furnaces that use recycled materials as raw material for producing the high-quality special steel bars used in the manufacturing process of grinding balls.
This initiative is presented in a scenario of rising projections for copper demand by 2050, which undoubtedly poses challenges for the mining industry in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, with grinding media being one of the products generating the largest Scope 3 carbon footprint in mining.
We have been working on sustainability issues to reduce environmental impact through technology and innovation.
With this launch, ME Elecmetal reaffirms its leadership in the industry by combining production excellence with a proactive approach to environmental sustainability. We will continue dedicated to exploring new technologies and innovations to promote a more sustainable and responsible future.
