Among the air emissions generated by Eramet's activity, dust is the main source of pollution – it should be noted that CO2 emissions are considered a specific issue and are therefore dealt with separately.
The Group's mining operations generate relatively low levels of emissions. On the other hand, due to combustion, pyrometallurgical operations accounts for most of the emissions at Eramet's various sites. These emissions, which have the distinctive property of being visible to residents, are of two types: channeled and diffuse dust. Originating in particular from plant stacks, channeled emissions are distinguished by the fact that they can be quantified - for example, by using sensors placed in the plant's chimney flues. This is why this quantifiable indicator has been chosen as a priority goal, although the Group is taking action to reduce all emissions.
Thus, as part of Eramet's CSR road map, a target has been set: to reduce channeled dust emissions by 80% in 2023 compared with 2018 emissions. A whole range of purification devices are being used in the plants to reduce emissions: electrofilters, baghouses, scrubbers, scrubbing towers, activated carbon filters, etc. Eramet is continuing with the progress made over the past few decades, based in particular on:
- an investment plan for new clean-up equipment
- improved operational control of existing facilities
- 80% reduction in channeled dust in five years: the objective set by Eramet in its CSR road map
