ArcelorMittal’s LNG project backed by Quebec government

The Québec government has awarded a CAD$4.5m grant to ArcelorMittal Mining Canada in a bid to use a greater proportion of alternative fuels on its pellet plant.

The grant will be earmarked for a pilot project for ArcelorMittal’s production pellet plant in Port-Cartier allowing the furnace to cook pellet using liquid natural gas and a reduced amount of conventional fuel oil. 

The initiative will help create a lower carbon future as part of ArcelorMittal’s commitment to be a use energy responsibly.

According to Business Review Canada, Pierre Lapointe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, said: “We are very happy to be able to count on the support of the government of Québec to set up this pilot project at our pellet plant at Port-Cartier. The project aims to convert part of the manufacturing process at the company’s pellet plant in Port Cartier to using LNG, resulting in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 30% compared with oil-based fuel, while also significantly reducing emissions of sulphur and other pollutants.

“ArcelorMittal Mining Canada recognises the importance of the LNG sector for the future of our company and we are also very proud to be able to participate in this fundamental project for Côte-Nord”. 

The grant is part of the Québec government’s 2013-2020 Action Plan on climate change, aiming to improve the carbon balance and energy efficiency of businesses within the state.

Piere Arcand, minister of energy and natural resources, and David Huertel, minister for sustainable development announced the grant.

Minister Arcand said that government support for the project will help develop the emerging LNG sector and will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the project’s approach to energy conversion. The project is part of the government’s bid to promote innovative ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions.  

Follow @MiningGlobal

Read the May 2016 issue of Mining Global magazine