Introduction
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.
Fundamentals
A broad-based comprehensive methodological framework to measure GHG emissions arising from the production of ore-based metallics is required to enable proper comparability among companies in the context of legislative requirements (e.g., EU-CBAM).
Comparability with existing frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol) and/or methodologies (e.g. Clean Development Mechanism) will be considered.
Elaboration of scope
It is assumed that a different methodological framework will be required for measurement of GHG emissions arrising from pig iron from that of DRI/HBI.
A comprehensive mapping of process steps and system boundaries should ultimately be defined for each ore based metallic (OBM), from which regional, national and/or technology examples can be defined. It is likely that a comprehensive mapping will emerge from aggregation of information from regional, national and/or technology examples.
The overall system boundary should be cradle to gate for each OBM and therein Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions should be included.
The relevance and applicability of carbon sequestration should be given full consideration especially for a comprehensive framework. However, acceptability, particularly in the context of the measurement of embedded CO2 and carbon accounting should be paramount.
Guidance document
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, published in August 2025.
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.
IIMA COMMON METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR OBM GHG EMISSIONS ESTIMATION – PIG IRON BLAST FURNACE PRODUCTION ROUTE USING CHARCOAL.
