July-August 2020 - LIFEPOSITIVEMgOFGD

Α) Identity of the project

Description/Aim

LIFEPOSITIVEMgOFGD is about designing and implementing a novel air pollution abatement process for demonstration in Grecian Magnesite’s Yerakini facilities where high sulfur content fuels are used for the operation of the sites’s kilns. The project was co-financed by EU's LIFE Programme. The Objective was to demonstrate that a new dry desulfurization technology utilizing magnesium oxide (MgO) as a sulfur oxide (SOx) pollutant sorbent is a Positive Net Environmental Impact Solution for magnesia industries.

Β) Best Practices

First of all, the project implements circular economy practices: a) the sorbent required for the pilot plant is produced on-site, as GM takes advantage of old mine stockpiles. This is basically an old waste material, that could however be used as a raw material to produce a low cost MgO quality and b) the by-product generated is valorised (recycled/reused). Both practices have obvious economic and environmental benefits, the latter being the saving of precious natural resources and the reduction of the CO₂ footprint of the installation.  

Moreover, the project has developed a strategy to increase Socio-economic impact and a comprehensive Communication Plan. Stakeholder engagement planning was made based on Replication and transferability strategy planning, including an Exploitation plan and Market analysis. The results of these actions can be appreciated by several accomplishments such as:

• Implication of National Authorities, associations and numerous stakeholders
• Taking advantage of Industrial Sector Assemblies to present results and prepare for CLM BREF updates
• Carrying out two R&T workshops and one final event with a visit to the demonstration plant
• Inclusion of the project in 2 European Initiatives
• Proper measurements of LIFE+ indicators
• High dissemination activity that achieved a high number of visits on the website.
• Cooperating with Greek Task Force to increase impact
• Promotional video is an attractive format to disseminate results.

C) Results

• The pilot plant treats and cleans the flue gases of a rotary kiln in the Yerakini Mine Site (84.000 m³ of flue gases per hour). 
• SOx emissions are reduced by 51%, achieving a value of less than 1.500 mg of equivalent SO₂ per normal m³, which is the current BAT Emission Limit Value.
• Yearly, 520 tonnes of equivalent SO₂ emissions are prevented.
• 80% of the MgO sorbent used comes from the utilization of old mining waste. More than 20.000 tonnes per year waste are utilized.
• The pilot plant consumes 96 % less water and 24% less energy than an equivalent FGD plant based on wet desulfurization technology.
• More than 12.000 tonnes of by-product are generated by the pilot plant yearly, while a significant part is currently valorised.

Project results concern all magnesia producers in Europe and the world as well as a variety of industries using high sulfur fuels. The project’s web site contains important information for all anyone interested as well as useful project deliverables. For more information, one can contact us through the web site’s communication form or by e-mail to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the After-LIFE era, Grecian Magnesite will continue the operation of the pilot plant and will make efforts to further increase its performance. The main targets are:

• To gradually increase valorisation of the useful desulfurisation by-product (on-site utilisation, construction industry, fertilisers) to 90% within the next 3 years.
• To push for the technique to be adopted as Best Available Technique (BAT) in the relevant reference document (BREF) of the European Commission for the production of Cement-Lime-Magnesia during the next document’s revision.

http://www.betterlife-withmgo.eu/images/LIFEPOSITIVEMgOFGD-Laymans_Report_EN.pdf

http://www.betterlife-withmgo.eu/en/blog/142-lifepositivemgofgd-the-projects-promotional-video