Last week in Oulu, our third cohort had the privilege of visiting the underground Kemi Mine and the stainless steel and ferrochrome processing plant in Tornio, both owned by Outokumpu.
At Outokumpu’s Kemi Mine, all operations are conducted underground. This mine is the primary source of chromite ore, processed into upgraded lumpy ore and fine concentrate through advanced industrial methods on the surface. These materials are then transported to the ferrochrome smelter in Tornio, co-located with Outokumpu’s integrated stainless steel mill.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Outokumpu’s operations. The environmental impact of the Kemi Mine is minimal due to its gravity-based beneficiation process, which eliminates the need for chemicals. Additionally, the carbon footprint of Outokumpu’s ferrochrome is 67% lower than the industry average, contributing to the lowest carbon footprint for stainless steel on the market.
The Kemi Mine is on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Key initiatives include:
- Utilizing carbon-free electricity.
- Adopting biofuels for transportation and machinery.
- Replacing natural gas and propane with biogas for heating.
- Electrifying mining machinery to reduce fuel dependency.
As a significant milestone, the mine has transitioned to renewable biofuels, achieving 30% of its carbon neutrality goal.
The Integrated Tornio Operations
Outokumpu’s Tornio operations represent the company’s largest integrated facility and the world’s only fully integrated stainless steel plant. This site includes:
- Two stainless steel melt shop lines.
- A hot rolling mill.
- A cold rolling plant.
- Lines for brushing, polishing, slitting, and cut-to-length processing.
The Tornio facility is further enhanced by the adjacent Röyttä Harbor (operated by Outokumpu Shipping Oy), facilitating seamless transportation of stainless steel coils to customers and to a finishing line in Terneuzen, Netherlands. Tornio is also home to one of Outokumpu’s three R&D centers, underscoring its leadership in innovation.
Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Outokumpu’s Tornio operations are a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainability. Despite increasing production levels, water quality in the surrounding areas remains high, and rare bird species thrive in a nearby conservation zone. Stainless steel production at Tornio began in 1976 with an initial capacity of 50,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). A major expansion project completed in 2004 increased the facility’s capacity to 1.2 million tpa.
The Kemi Mine and Tornio processing plants illustrate Outokumpu’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in stainless steel production.