Reducing greenhouse gas emissions arising from the production of ore-based metallics is a pivotal activity in the pathway to carbon-neutral iron and steelmaking.
Public policy is also creating drivers for GHG emissions reduction. In Europe this is notable through the introduction of a tax on the embedded carbon content of certain imported goods, including ore-based metallics. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will become fully operational in 2026.
These actions are seen as a necessity to meet commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement. The aim is to arrest the pace of climate change.
To support members’ activity towards addressing the above, IIMA has begun a programme of work to promote consistent, transparent and credible calculation of GHG emissions arising from the production of ore-based metallics. As a first step, IIMA has explored current norms and methodologies for the measurement of GHG emissions from cradle to gate for ore-based metallics. The result is an initial guidance document for members.
In follow-up, we will be fostering consistency in scope and application of measurement by seeking to evolve verifiable methodology that accounts for the carbon footprint of ore-based metallics beyond the requirements of EU CBAM. The aim is to track and trace embedded carbon throughout the value chain, supporting the efforts of both raw material suppliers and customers towards reduction of GHG emissions.
The guidance document, OBMs: Defining a common methodological framework for the measurement of GHG emissions arising from production, has been sent to members and is available on the Members’ Area of the website.
Image taken from guidance document. IIMA common methodological framework for OBM GHG emissions estimation – pig iron blast furnace production route using charcoal.
