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Betolar Plc
Press release
19.3.2024
Betolar and Outokumpu have reached an agreement on the development of cement-free shotcrete, in which Betolar's material technology solutions will be utilised in the structures of Outokumpu's Kemi chrome mine. The goal of the development work is to produce a low-carbon alternative to the current shotcrete composition by the end of 2025 without compromising the properties and quality requirements of concrete. The collaboration contributes to Outokumpu's target of turning the Kemi mine carbon-neutral by the end of 2025.
"The use of blended cement is new in shotcrete. The project opens a possibility for Betolar's technology to expand into completely cement-free shotcrete. The new solutions will significantly reduce Outokumpu's Scope 3 emissions," says Ville Voipio, Chief Commercial Officer at Betolar.
In the first phase of the two-year contract, Betolar will develop a design mix for CEMIII-compliant blended cement by the end of this year. It will enable Outokumpu to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions already from the beginning of 2025. In parallel with the blended cement, another project will be launched to develop completely cement-free shotcrete for Outokumpu by the end of 2025.
"With our 1.5-degree climate strategy, we are accelerating the green transition of the steel industry, and the carbon neutrality of the Kemi mine is a concrete step for us on this journey. The collaboration with Betolar helps to lower the emissions in the mine's value chain, as a lot of shotcrete is needed annually to reinforce the mine's tunnels, and cement is its essential ingredient," says Martti Sassi, President of Business Area Ferrochrome at Outokumpu.
Betolar's mining business strengthens
Outokumpu's assignment follows Betolar's strategy updated last spring. Its main focus is on developing low-carbon, scalable solutions for the mining industry and construction.
"With our circular economy solution, the added value of mining industry side streams can be significantly increased. The cooperation agreement with a global player like Outokumpu will promote our growth opportunities in the mining and metals business," says Ville Voipio.
Betolar Plc
More info on:
Ville Voipio, Chief Commercial Officer, Betolar, ville.voipio@betolar.com, tel. +358 50 562 1809
Information about Outokumpu's Kemi mine:
https://www.outokumpu.com/en/locations/kemimine
About Betolar:
Betolar Plc is a Finnish materials technology company that offers sustainable and low-carbon solutions to drive green transition in construction and mining.
Betolar's Geoprime innovation significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions from concrete by utilising new binders in concrete mix design, supporting solution development through advanced analytics and creating global markets for side streams. Betolar's mission is to help reduce CO2 emissions and the use of virgin raw materials.
Betolar was founded in 2016 and is domiciled in Kannonkoski, Finland. Betolar is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. More information www.betolar.com
Shotcrete
Shotcrete or sprayed concrete is an application where concrete is sprayed at high velocity onto rock walls and ceilings. The application is used in mining for ground support and stabilizing openings. In underground mining operations, shotcrete delivers safety and efficiency to the whole mining operation.