Pressrelease: Björneborg Steel is the first in the world to conduct a full-scale test of climate-neutral lime from ZEQL

A groundbreaking innovation for climate-neutral steel production has reached an important milestone. ZEQL (Zero Emission QuickLime), a collaboration between SMA Mineral and SaltX Technology, has produced the world’s first burnt lime that is 100 percent produced with fossil-free electricity.

The successful production of electrically manufactured burnt lime is a major breakthrough for both ZEQL and Swedish engineering. This confirms that it is entirely possible to reduce emissions from lime production through new technology,” says Svante Fielding, CEO of SMA Mineral.

-Trials with ZEQL lime have been conducted at Björneborg Steel during March with very good results. The lime has shown rapid dissolution in the melt and a high refining capacity. We have conducted analyses in both the electric arc furnace and the ladle furnace, where the results show that slag formation occurs as expected and in line with the product we normally use in our process,” says Mikael Andreasson, responsible for process development at Björneborg
Steel.

-This shows how the industry is leading the green transition, and it is very important for us as a steel producer that not only what we do within our production is climate-neutral but also that our raw materials and process media are climate-neutral. It is therefore a privilege to be able to test and develop this unique and world-leading concept together with SaltX and SMA Mineral. It gives us the opportunity to further develop our climate-neutral Greenforge® production,” says Håkan Dedorsson, CEO of Björneborg Steel.

-Together with SMA Mineral, we have taken a big step towards a sustainable future. This technology has the potential to transform lime production and open doors to a new era of sustainable fuels. It is incredibly inspiring to be part of this transition, says Lina Jorheden, CEO of SaltX Technology.

For further information, please contact:
Håkan Dedorsson, CEO Björneborg Steel AB, +46 (0)76 540 8070

Press Release BJB_20250403_ENG.pdf
Press Release BJB_20250403_SVE.pdf

About Björneborg Steel AB

Björneborg Steel is a fully integrated forge and controls the manufacturing process from scrap to finished
product. The company has the largest open-die forge in the Nordic region and delivers everything from semifinished
products to fully finished products ready for assembly. The company has core competencies in advanced
steel processes with high purity, complex forging work, and machining. The company has developed a climateneutral
production concept called Greenforge®. The business is located in Björneborg and Kristinehamn in
Sweden with global sales.

Read more:
https://smamineral.se/varldens-forsta-el-tillverkade-branda-kalk-fran-zeql/