Leading global iron ore miner Vale has launched ‘green briquette’, a new product that has been under development for almost 20 years and promises to reduce greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) by up to 10% during steel production. The Brazilian mining major made the announcement recently during a virtual interaction with analysts.
Less energy requirement
The green iron product is made with iron ore and an agglomerant technological solution, which can be obtained with sand provided by the treatment of mine tailings. The iron briquette is capable of withstanding great blast furnace temperatures without disintegrating.
As the product enables steel producers to reduce dependence on sintering, it results in reduction of greenhouse emissions. Sintering requires extensive use of coal. The briquette is produced through a process of drying, as opposed to burning, that is less energy-intensive.
Emissions reduction target
The ‘green briquette’ is part of Vale’s strategy to reduce by 15% Scope 3 emissions, related to its value chain, by 2035. In absolute terms, the commitment to reductions is equal to 90 mn t of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Vale has informed that at present 98% of the company’s total emissions are related to its chain of suppliers and clients.
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