Emissions to air
Most of the metal emissions to air come from the smelter’s process gases while sulphur dioxide emissions to air come mainly from the gases produced during the smelting processes at the Harjavalta and Rönnskär copper smelters. Metal production is extremely energy-intensive and entails both direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions. Our direct carbon dioxide emissions arise primarily during combustion processes in our smelters and in conjunction with transportation at both mines and smelters. The indirect carbon dioxide emissions come from the electricity we consume and account for by far the biggest share of total carbon dioxide emissions. Reducing emissions to air
Discharges to water
The smelters’ water treatment plants account for approximately 75 per cent of Boliden’s metal discharges to water. Our mines account for the remaining 25 per cent in the form of discharges from water treatment plants and tailings ponds at the mines’ concentrators. Mining accounts for just over 75 per cent of Boliden’s nitrogen discharges to water with the nitrogen coming mainly from explosives and their handling. A small percentage comes from gold leaching, where nitrogen is a waste product. The remaining 25 per cent comes from the Kokkola zinc smelter. Reducing discharges to water
Towards a zero harm philosophy
Boliden's aim is to do everything it can to avoid having an uncontrolled effect on the environment, and we are consequently working on formulating a zero philosophy regarding environmental accidents, that includes the tiniest spill. There are no shortcuts − it is about working continuously with risk assessments, action plans, maintenance work and improved routines as well as developing and improving best available techniques. It also involves working on the cultural factor, namely the attitudes and behaviour of individuals.
Our mines and smelters are subject to environmental legislation and applicable environmental permits in Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Norway and Canada.