Environmental protection at SIJ Metal Ravne d.o.o.
SIJ Metal Ravne d.o.o. is among the companies that can potentially cause significant environmental pollution. However, we are fully committed to operating in compliance with the IED Directive - Industrial Emission Directive. This directive mandates comprehensive prevention and control of pollution (Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council dated November 24, 2010, on industrial emissions). SIJ Metal Ravne holds a valid environmental protection permit numbered 35407-116/2006-17 issued on June 30, 2010. The environmental permit encompasses requirements for monitoring and preventing environmental pollution.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
SIJ Group’s carbon emissions rank us among the top 30 percent of the world’s most efficient steel producers included in the measurements. Even now, our emissions are significantly lower than the global average.
Internationally, most steel is still produced from raw ore, which has major environmental impacts at the stage of excavation and higher carbon dioxide emissions per tonne of cast steel produced due to the use of coking coal as an energy source. According to World Steel Association (WSA) statistics, in 2020 one tonne of cast steel released as much as 1.84 tonnes of carbon dioxide, whereas this figure was even higher in terms of production per tonne of stainless-quality steel, averaging as high as 2.88 tonnes. We use steel scrap as the main raw material in our steel production process. This is because steel can be recycled completely, and the production of steel in electric arc furnaces causes significantly lower emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As a result of well-planned investments and optimizations, we are able to reduce our direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions.
In our disclosures of SIJ Group emissions, we report indicators for the steel-producing companies SIJ Acroni and SIJ Metal Ravne, where direct emissions data are subject to additional verification performed by authorised verifiers in accordance with the law.
Figure 1:Emissions: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 (in Thousand Tonnes CO2), data for 2022
Direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, GHG)
Carbon dioxide emissions generated by the process are calculated based on the mass balance of carbon and the required combustion and thermal energy, being performed in accordance with the carbon monitoring plan included in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permit.
Other indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 2, GHG)
We use the World Steel Association (WSA) factors in the calculation of Scope 2.
Other indirect greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3, GHG)
We use the WSA factors in the calculation of Scope 3.
The GHG emissions for steam imported to the company SIJ Metal Ravne from outside the site boundary in year 2022 were 744 t CO2 .
The company SIJ Metal Ravne does not import any heat to the site.
The total GHG emissions intensity of the crude steel produced at the site SIJ Metal Ravne in year 2022 were 1,324 (metric tonnes of CO2 e/ metric tonne crude steel).
We calculate our carbon footprint resp. GHG emissions in accordance with the ISO 14404:2013 international standard.
Waste management
The company generates more than 150 tons of waste annually, including over 200 kilograms of hazardous waste. To prevent and reduce waste generation, we've developed a Waste Management Plan.
We handle waste in a manner that ensures no threat to human health or adverse effects on the environment, such as excessive pollution of water, air, soil, noise, unpleasant odors, plants, or animals. The Economic Area of Železarna Ravne (ZGO ŽR), where SIJ Metal Ravne is located, is not within the Natura 2000 area. The Meža River flows through the area of Železarna Ravne, passing the facilities of companies. Soil research at the Železarna Ravne site revealed materials enriched with heavy metals (such as slag), which, in their bound form, do not pose a risk to the environment.
The company's waste management is governed by internal regulations - QM.20.02. These rules specify how to handle waste generated in plants, encompassing collection, sorting, transportation, storage, and waste record-keeping.
Since 1995, the company has monitored the type and volume of waste generated, maintaining records in the 'IS-odpadki' information system for all waste handed over to processors or collectors. For waste crossing borders, an international waste transfer document - Annex VII, is filled out. Additionally, annual reports on the quantity of generated and processed waste for the previous year are submitted to MOP, ARSO by March 31st.
Figure 2: Annual amounts of waste
SIJ Metal Ravne as a waste processor
SIJ Metal Ravne d.o.o. is a registered waste processor and entered in the register of persons who can process non-hazardous and inert waste, managed by the Slovenian Environment Agency, under no. 456. The waste processed in the UHP electric arc furnace originates from own process residues of products and waste purchased from collectors. These are waste from the metal processing industry, railway steel waste, metal parts from construction waste and rubble, structural steel waste, shavings and sawdust, waste steel sheet and profiles, waste metal packaging.
Figure 3: Amount of recycled waste and by-products in 2021
Air emissions
In our company, we operate numerous heating furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, and cleaning plants, resulting in a significant volume of emissions. We conduct operational monitoring at all emission points in compliance with the environmental protection permit issued. At the cleaning device of the electric arc furnace - UHP furnace, we conduct continuous dust measurements and monitor flue gas flow, temperature, and pressure.
Figure 4: Permanent measurements of dust from the UHP furnace for the year 2021 and display of dust monitoring on the new UHP furnace dust removal device
Emissions to water
Water holds significant importance within our company as it serves various purposes. We utilize it as cooling water for cooling aggregates, as technological-industrial water for washing slag during rolling, and for maintaining slag channels. Additionally, it is essential for drinking and sanitary purposes.
In compliance with the environmental protection permit, we conduct operational wastewater monitoring at all points of industrial wastewater discharge.
We have implemented a comprehensive water management plan to ensure responsible usage and efficient handling of water resources.
Figure 5: The amount of wastewater and the level of the environmental tax due to the pollution of wastewater
Noise emission
In accordance with the issued environmental protection permit, the company conducts monitoring at six measuring points in the surrounding environment every three years. Years ago, we recognized that our industry generates noise that must be reduced to meet legally required limit values. As part of the remediation program, anti-noise protections have been installed at identified noise sources since 2014. In 2021, a new dedusting device for the UHP furnace was installed in the steel plant area, resulting in a significant reduction in noise levels at the associated measuring points. Additionally, the steel program includes anti-noise protection for the cleaning device of the vacuum furnace (VPP2). Identifying new sources of noise is challenging due to several companies situated in the Economic Area of Železarna Ravne, all contributing to noise pollution that impacts the overall perception of our company.
Figure 6: Locations of measuring points for noise monitoring in the environment
CO2 emissions
SIJ Metal Ravne d.o.o. is part of the European trading scheme and has obtained all necessary permits for greenhouse gas emissions. Like the rest of the steel industry, SIJ Metal Ravne d.o.o. is constantly developing new types of steel, primarily to meet the requirements of specialized applications. Looking ahead, it's evident that the steel industry cannot achieve the targeted reduction in carbon dioxide emissions without implementing steel production projects that involve carbon dioxide storage and capture. This is because the advancements in optimizing technologies offer only a 15% potential for reducing existing emissions. When comparing the CO2 emissions saved through innovative uses of steel, such as more efficient power plants, wind turbines, or lighter vehicles, with the CO2 emissions from steel production, it becomes apparent that the potential savings from steel usage outweigh emissions from its production.
Figure 7: Overview of specific emissions in the past period at SIJ Metal Ravne