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Beskrivning
| Land | Sverige |
|---|---|
| Lista | First North Stockholm |
| Sektor | Energi & Miljö |
| Industri | Energikällor |
SaltX and SMA Mineral's groundbreaking concept for electrified and emission-free production of quicklime, ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime), has reached another milestone. Following previous breakthroughs in material quality and operational running times at SaltX's test and research facility, significant volumes of ZEQL material have been used to produce approximately 240 tons of steel at Björneborg Steel. The results confirm that the electrically produced quicklime meets the steel industry's requirements and quality.
Caption: Steel manufacturing with electrically produced quicklime at Björneborg Steel.
The collaboration between SaltX and SMA Mineral began in 2022 with the goal of building the world's first electrified production facility for emission-free quicklime, a material essential as a slag former in steel manufacturing. Following the positive results from Björneborg Steel and previous progress at SaltX's test, a few preparations remain before SMA Mineral can make the final decision on the construction of the first ZEQL plant in Mo I Rana, northern Norway. Svante Fielding, CEO of SMA Mineral, explains:
"The successful production of electrically manufactured quicklime marks a significant breakthrough for both ZEQL and Swedish engineering. With the positive results we are now seeing from Björneborg Steel, we are making significant progress toward establishing the facility in Mo i Rana. We look forward to taking the next step to scale up production as soon as possible."
Björneborg Steel, a customer of SMA Mineral, has conducted several melting processes with accompanying analyses, confirming that ZEQL quicklime functions as expected and can replace traditionally produced quicklime in steel manufacturing. Mikael Andreasson, Head of Production at Björneborg Steel, states:
"The tests we have done with ZEQL quicklime have shown excellent results. The quicklime has demonstrated rapid dissolution in the melt and a high refining capacity. We have conducted analyses in both the electric arc furnace and the ladle furnace, where the results show that slag formation occurs as expected and that the basicity is in line with the product we normally use in our process."
For SaltX, the results from steel production using quicklime produced with the company's technology represent a significant step forward. Lina Jorheden, CEO of SaltX, states:
"This demonstrates that the entire value chain for electrically produced quicklime, from raw material to steel, works effectively and that our innovation, the Electric Arc Calciner (EAC), is the key enabler. With the successes we have witnessed at the beginning of 2025, we look forward to continuing our work on the planned ZEQL plant in northern Norway."
The successful production marks another significant step in the steel industry's transition to a more sustainable and climate-neutral future.
For more information, please contact:
Lina Jorheden, CEO SaltX Technology, +46 70 825 11 83
Harald Bauer, CFO SaltX Technology, +46 70 810 80 34
About SaltX Technology
SaltX is a Swedish Greentech company that develops and markets sustainable technology to benefit customers, the climate, and society. The company focuses on electrifying emission-intensive industries such as the lime and cement industries. SaltX Technology's stock is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market, with FNCA Sweden AB as Certified Adviser. For more information, visit www.saltxtechnology.com.
About SMA Mineral
SMA Mineral is one of the largest lime producers in the Nordic region, supplying lime to the steel, paper, and pulp industries, among many other applications. Since its founding in 1980, SMA has been at the forefront of extraction, processing, and distribution of products primarily based on calcium carbonate and dolomite. With a constant commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices, SMA's minerals serve as crucial components in industries including steel, paper, and water and flue gas purification. For more information, visit www.smamineral.se.
About ZEQL
ZEQL [sequel] is an industrial partnership for electrified quicklime production jointly owned by SMA Mineral and SaltX Technology. The production method and factory concept include innovative electrification technology with integrated CO₂ separation. The first factory is planned for completion in 2025. Visit www.zeql.com.
About Björneborg Steel
Björneborg Steel is a fully integrated forging company that controls the manufacturing process from scrap to finished product. The company operates the largest open-die forging press in the Nordic region and delivers everything from semi-finished products to fully finished components ready for assembly. The company has core competencies in advanced processes for high-purity steel, complex forging, and machining. Operations are based in Björneborg and Kristinehamn, Sweden, with global sales. The company is quality-certified according to ISO 9001 and 14001.