Finland: Boliden says it has a developed a 95% reduced-CO2 alternative cement production process based on the use of slag. Nordic Daily News has reported that the process has received verification from ‘established players in the cement industry.’ A preliminary study is underway, wherein Boliden will establish a 250,000t/yr production plant. Additionally, the process extracts usable metal from slag.
Heidelberg Materials North America cement used in Times Square construction
US: Heidelberg Materials North America have supplied slag and Portland cement for the construction of TSX Broadway in New York City. The construction involved advanced demolition and building techniques, utilising concrete's properties for strength and stiffness.
Stan Trella, Sales Manager Metro New York/Long Island at Heidelberg Materials North America, said "The use of slag cement was beneficial in multiple ways. Not only does slag cement optimise concrete’s strength, but it reduced the environmental impact of this high-profile venue by lowering the percentage of ordinary Portland cement in the mix."
Samruddhi Expressway uses fly ash and blast furnace slag to reduce emissions
India: The Samruddhi Expressway stretches 701km from Nagpur to Mumbai. This project by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has been focused on reducing environmental impact by the use of fly ash and blast furnace slag in its concrete.
Anil Gaikwad, managing director of the MSRDC, said "Fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag were also used in the concrete,” He continued “Fly ash has been used to the extent of 20% in the concrete."
The project emphasised circularity by reusing and recycling materials. Responsible sourcing of materials was a key component, ensuring vendors complied with environmental standards. Innovative water management strategies were also implemented, including the creation of farm ponds through agreements with local farmers.
Magsort to help decarbonise slag processing at Emirates Steel Arkan's Al Ain Cement plant
UAE: Emirates Steel Arkan has concluded a partnership for the deployment of Finland-based Magsort’s technology in steel slag processing at its Al Ain cement plant. ZAWYA News has reported that the partners expect the technology to help reduce the plant’s limestone and fuel consumption. This will reduce its CO2 emissions by 15%.
Emirates Steel Arkan CEO Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi said "Green solutions such as this will help decarbonise the sector's value chain."
