Circular economy is about resource utilisation. At Eramet Norway, the circular economy is central to our operations, transforming waste into value and fostering sustainability across all production processes. By prioritizing resource efficiency, innovative recycling and partnerships, we minimize environmental impact while enhancing industrial resilience.
Innovative resource utilization
Eramet Norway actively develops new applications for industrial by-products, ensuring nothing goes to waste:
- Silica Green Stone: This versatile material, a by-product of manganese smelting, is being integrated into industries such as construction and road development, showcasing its potential as a sustainable resource. Our development team in Kvinesdal is working to develop several new uses for our «Silica Green Stone».
- Furnace dust and slag: These materials are reused within production lines or sold for industrial applications, reinforcing the principle of a closed-loop system.
- Energy recycling: Heat and gas generated during smelting are captured and repurposed, powering local industries and heating public facilities like sports complexes and city streets.
- Water preservation: Advanced purification systems ensure minimal water waste and high reuse rates within the production process.
Recovering metals in the water
In 2024, the Finnish startup Weeefiner won the Open Innovation Challenge organized by EIT RawMaterials and Eramet Ideas. A pioneer in the treatment of water and metal recovery, Weeefiner’s solution will be tested at the Porsgrunn plant in order to recover metals from the process’ wastewater. Initial tests have been carried out.
Goals for 2030 and beyond
Eramet Norway has ambitious targets to deepen its commitment to the circular economy:
- 50% reduction in waste deposition: Focused on recycling and finding new uses for by-products.
- Scaling up by-product innovation: Expanding the applications of materials like Silica Green Stone to further reduce waste.