Iron ore pellet sector: environmental performance agreement Remember this one. This is where we ought to make a contribution with our plasma torches.
This document shows that actions are being taken and measurements are in place to show advances toward the objectives of this agreement.
They are not just waiting for subsisdies. They are already at work since early Jan. 2018, thorugh different steps. That's probably why we had interest from at least 3 iron ore players (Client A, B, C).
Iron ore pellet sector: environmental performance agreement overview - Canada.ca This environmental performance agreement is in effect from January 5, 2018 to June 1, 2026.
Iron ore pellet sector: environmental agreement
Objective
The objective of this agreement is to implement the base level industrial emissions requirements (BLIERs) developed for the iron ore pellet sector.
Signatories
This agreement has been negotiated between:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Iron Ore Company of Canada
- ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P.
Key requirements
The participating companies agree to:
- achieve and maintain the BLIERs for emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
- participate in a nitrogen oxides (NOx) technical working group
- the working group will prepare a report including opportunities for the reduction and/or improved control of NOx emissions
Deadlines
| Type of reports | Deadline |
| Annual report | June 1 (each calendar year of this agreement, starting in 2018) |
| NOx working group report | 2020 to 2021 |
| ECCC public reporting | Annually |
Where to submit
All annual reports are to be submitted electronically to ec.epa-epe.ec@canada.ca.
Performance results
2019
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ECCC extended the reporting deadline from June 30th 2020 to August 30th 2020. Both companies submitted their 2019 annual report by the extended reporting deadline. Reports indicate that both companies met their emissions target for PM2.5 in 2019, as well as their sulphur content in fuel targets (refer to tables below).
To date, 3 annual NOx working group meetings, led by the industry, have occurred. The working group discussed factors influencing the formation of NOx, and emission reduction techniques. A report describing NOx formation and emission reduction was submitted to the working group in 2020.
Table 1: maximum sulphur content in liquid fuel | Facility | BLIERs target
(1.5% sulphur content in fuel by weight) |
| Carol Lake Project (IOC) | Target achieved |
| Port-Cartier (AMMC) | Target achieved |
Table 2: maximum sulphur content in solid fuel | Facility | BLIERs target
(1.5% sulphur content in fuel by weight) |
| Carol Lake Project (IOC) | Target achieved |
| Port-Cartier (AMMC) | Target achieved |
Table 3: facility-level PM2.5 emission intensity | Facility | BLIERs target
(40 g PM2.5/tonne of pellets) |
| Carol Lake Project (IOC) | Target achieved |
| Port-Cartier (AMMC) | Target achieved |
Verification results
ECCC received and verified annual reports, which include PM2.5 and sulphur content in fuel data. ECCC reached out to industry to verify the calculations and the methodology used for the data in the submitted reports. Minor changes were made to the data, which did not affect the achievement of emission targets.
2018
Next steps
- Conduct desktop reviews of 2020 reports
- The NOx working group will prepare a recommendation report on NOx emission limits and reduction opportunities
Background information
Federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers are taking action to better protect human health and the environment by endorsing and implementing the air quality management system. It includes:
- Canadian ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone and SO2
- BLIERs
- local air zone management by the provincial/territorial jurisdictions
Summary of instruments to implement BLIERs
The Government of Canada led a federal, provincial and territorial consensus process with stakeholder involvement to complete the development of BLIERs. For the iron ore pellet sector, quantitative BLIERs were developed for PM2.5 and SO2 and qualitative BLIERs were developed for NOx.