Iron ore pellet sector: environmental performance agreement overview

Both companies submitted their 2022 annual report by the reporting deadline. IOC had their stack samples lost in transportation to the testing facility, and thus used an estimation method from last year’s sampling results. Actions have been taken to prevent this from happening again. Reports indicate that both companies met their PM_2.5 emissions target and sulfur content in fuel target in 2022 (refer to tables below). 

To date, 6 joint NO_x working group meetings have been held between industry and ECCC. In these meetings, the primary objectives are to discuss NO_x formation mechanisms linked to iron ore pelletizing, study pollution prevention and control measures pertaining to NO_x, and develop recommendations for instruments to meet BLIERs. A consultant’s report describing NO_x formation, emission reduction, and emission regulations across other jurisdictions was also submitted to the working group in 2020.

Due to the planning of major decarbonization projects by both facilities, and the lack of data on the impact of NO_x emissions from planned new technologies, ECCC has postponed the deadline for the recommendation report planned for the end of 2023, to the end of 2024. This delay will support the development of NO_x emissions targets that are aligned with decarbonization efforts.

The working group will meet again at the end of 2024 to finalize the content of the recommendation report.

Verification results

ECCC received and verified both 2022 annual reports, which included data regarding PM_2.5 emissions and the sulphur content in fuel. ECCC requested corrections regarding these reports, verified methodologies utilized, and obtained explanations of the results. ECCC also held discussions with IOC concerning the lost samples. The verification process has been completed for both facilities.

Both companies submitted their 2021 annual report by the reporting deadline. Reports indicate that both companies met their emissions target for PM_2.5 in 2021, as well as their Sulphur content in fuel targets (refer to tables below).

To date, 6 joint NO_x working group meetings between industry and ECCC have occurred. Objectives of the Working Group are to better understand NO_x formation mechanisms linked to the iron ore pelletizing processes, study pollution prevention and emission control pertaining to NO_x, and come up with recommendations for instruments to meet BLIERs. A consultant’s report describing NO_x formation, emission reduction and regulations across other jurisdictions was submitted to the working group in 2020.  

Since some decarbonization technologies may increase NO_x emissions, the next working group meeting will address how to balance NO_x and GHG reductions in the context of each facility. 

Verification results

ECCC received and verified the 2021 annual reports, which included PM_2.5 and sulphur content in fuel data. ECCC reached out to industry to request corrections on the reports, verify methodologies and explain results. The verification process is complete for one of the companies, and will be completed in 2023 for the second one. 

Both companies submitted their 2020 annual report by the reporting deadline. Reports indicated that both companies met their emissions target for PM_2.5 in 2020, as well as their sulphur content in fuel targets (refer to tables below).  

To date, 4 annual NO_x working group meetings, led by the industry, have occurred. The working group discussed factors influencing the formation of NO_x and emission reduction techniques. A report describing NO_x formation and emission reduction was submitted to the working group in 2020. At the last meeting, it was noted by industry that NO_x reduction efforts could interfere with greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plans. 

Verification results

ECCC received and verified the 2020 annual reports, which include PM_2.5 and sulphur content in fuel data. ECCC reached out to industry to verify the calculations and methodologies used to determine production. ECCC was satisfied with responses from the facility and therefore no further actions were required.

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 indicated that both companies met their emissions target for PM_2.5 in 2019, as well as their sulphur content in fuel targets (refer to tables below).

To date, 3 annual NO_x working group meetings, led by the industry, have occurred. The working group discussed factors influencing the formation of NO_x, and emission reduction techniques. A report describing NO_x formation and emission reduction was submitted to the working group in 2020.

Verification results

ECCC received and verified annual reports, which included PM_2.5 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.

Both companies submitted their 2018 annual report by the reporting deadline of June 1st 2019. Reports indicated that both companies met their emissions target for PM_2.5 in 2018, as well as their sulphur content in fuel targets (refer to the tables below).

The NO_x working group was created in July 2018 and is composed of industry, experts from the private sector, ECCC and provinces.  To date, 3 annual working group meetings have occurred. The scope of activity, factors influencing the formation of NO_x, and emission reduction techniques were discussed and a report will be produced by a consulting firm and submitted to the working group in 2020.

Verification results

ECCC received and verified annual reports, which included PM_2.5 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 company’s achievement of emission targets.