K.A. Group’s K-Tec has entered into a deal with SSAB that will make it the first original equipment manufacturer of heavy-duty earthmoving equipment using the latter’s fossil-free steel.
Canadian-based K-Tec, which produces scrapers, said the move will advance its efforts toward eliminating carbon emissions.
“As a fossil-free partner to SSAB, K-Tec will have access to pilot deliveries of SSAB Fossil-free steel, which has virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions from the steelmaking process,” it said. “The steel initially will be used in K-Tec’s key products serving the construction and mining industries.”
The company already designs, manufactures and delivers strong, lightweight earthmoving equipment built with SSAB’s Hardox wear steel and Strenx performance steel brands.
One major benefit to K-Tec’s scrapers using lightweight, strong steel is the capability for its contractor customers to haul more material, instead of heavy iron. Additionally, K-Tec’s high-capacity scrapers allow for greater production requiring less cycles per day to shrink the earthmoving carbon footprint compared to traditional methods of earthmoving.
“We are thrilled to have our K-Tec earthmoving equipment brand as the first scraper solution to incorporate SSAB Fossil-free steel, continuing our commitment to innovation. It is also an honor for our organization to be the first Canadian manufacturing partner to collaborate with SSAB in this crucial initiative to lead our industry,” said K.A. Group president and CEO Dan Pashniak.
Added Johnny Sjöström, Head of Special Steels, SSAB: “This partnership demonstrates the commitment from both companies toward reducing carbon emissions. Our transformation to change the way steel is made is well underway, and we are proud to already have reached this far in our journey towards a fossil-free future.”
SSAB has been open about its plans to revolutionize the entire steelmaking process by producing steel with virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions. The pilot deliveries of SSAB Fossil-free steel are made using the unique HYBRIT-technology, jointly developed by SSAB, iron ore producer LKAB and energy company Vattenfall, to replace the coking coal traditionally used for iron ore-based steelmaking with fossil-free electricity and green hydrogen. The by-product is water instead of carbon dioxide emissions.