K-Tec to build ‘first’ earth scrapers with fossil-free steel

A K-Tec 1228 scraper behind a Volvo CE unit. K-Tec announced it will become the ‘first’ earthmoving OEM to use SSAB’s fossil-free steel product. (Image: K-Tec)

The SSAB steel product, K-Tec said, uses a process that replaces coal with hydrogen and electricity in steelmaking.

A joint venture between SSAB, Finland-based iron ore producer LKAB, and Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, the resulting product is a steel that the JV said produces “virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions”. The only byproduct, K-Tec noted, is water.

Earlier this year, access company Manitou announced it also struck a deal with SSAB to use its fossil-free product.

“This partnership demonstrates the commitment from both companies toward reducing carbon emissions,” said Johnny Sjöström, head of special steels at SSAB. “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.”

K-Tec will have access to pilot deliveries of SSAB’s sustainable steel product, which it plans to use in its construction and mining service products. It did not specify which models will be outfitted with SSAB’s steel product or when such units will be commercially available.

Combined with its existing sustainability goals, K-Tec said it believes its collaboration with SSAB will further its carbon reduction initiatives.

K.A. Group president and CEO Dan Pashniak said it was “an honour for our organization to be the first Canadian manufacturing partner to collaborate with SSAB in this crucial initiative to lead our industry.

“We are excited to partner with SSAB as they strive to provide environmental steel solutions to advance towards a sustainable future,” he added.