--- title: The steel production process needs to decarbonize and high-purity iron ore from the Labrador Trough can be game-changer date: 2024-11-25T14:31:00-05:00 author: Camille Boully canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/the-steel-production-process-needs-to-decarbonize-and-high-purity-iron-ore-from-the-labrador-trough-can-be-game-changer" section: Publications --- High-purity iron, which was recently added to Québec's list of critical minerals, could play a pivotal role in global decarbonization efforts. [Catherine Pelletier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pelletier-4384a7146/), Senior Engineer, Mining and Metals, at BBA, and[ Isabelle Leblanc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/), Vice-President, Mining and Metals, at BBA, explain how this mineral can be used to produce greener steel—a key material for the energy transition 1. [ ![BBA SM Linked In Effetingeniosite Etatdufer Suite Visuel EN](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_LinkedIn_Effetingeniosite_EtatduferSuite_Visuel_EN.jpg) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_LinkedIn_Effetingeniosite_EtatduferSuite_Visuel_EN.jpg) 2. Including high-purity iron on Québec's list of critical and strategic minerals in early 2024 was a pivotal development for the industry and Canada’s emerging role in global decarbonization efforts. Iron is essential in steel production, which is vital for building the infrastructures and technologies needed for the energy transition, from wind turbines to electric vehicles. Yet, steel manufacturing is among the most carbon-intensive industries, generating approximately 2.01 tonnes of CO₂ for every tonne of steel produced. In response, more companies committed to global decarbonization are looking to source steel with a lower carbon footprint. This is where high-purity iron ore from the Labrador Trough becomes a game-changer: **1 – It reduces industry-wide emissions**: “The high purity of this iron ore supports the transition to greener steelmaking methods, such as direct reduction furnaces and electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing GHG emissions,” explains [Catherine Pelletier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pelletier-4384a7146/), Senior Mining and Metals Engineer at BBA. **2 – It enables more scrap recycling**: High-purity iron concentrate allows for greater use of scrap metal contaminated with impurities. By diluting these impurities, it helps maintain the quality of the end product. **3 – Political stability and favourable environmental standards**: This high-purity iron ore is also found in a geopolitically stable country. The current regulatory framework upholds stringent environmental standards, further increasing its appeal. “Positioning Québec as a world leader will require a great deal of effort, but there’s a strong commitment among industry stakeholders who are working together to develop advanced expertise and cutting‑edge technologies to drive the growth of the green steel sector,” adds [Isabelle Leblanc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/), Vice-President, Mining and Metals at BBA. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Isabelle Leblanc Carre](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/176805/Isabelle-Leblanc-Carre.webp) Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng. Vice-President, Mining and Metals Market Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/) **With over 20 years of experience in mining projects, Isabelle Leblanc helps decision-makers move forward with confidence** by identifying value-driven scenarios that can be implemented in the field. **Key expertise and certifications** - NI 43-101, JORC and due diligence, technical audits - Open-pit mining strategies and optimization - Strategic mine studies and planning - Project cost estimation and economic analysis **Major achievements:** Led more than 25 studies (from preliminary and pre-feasibility to bankable feasibility) for gold, copper, lithium and iron in diverse geological and organizational settings. **Approach and added value:** Isabelle excels in transforming technical requirements into clear decision-making options, lowering risks and improving overall project performance. 2. ![5013](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/176527/5013.webp) Catherine Pelletier, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Process Mining and Metals Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pelletier-4384a7146/) **As a senior mineral processing expert, Catherine Pelletier brings over 15 years of operations and consulting experience** to design processes and optimize processing plant performance. **Key expertise and certifications** - Process development, iron extraction and flotation - Data analysis and industrial testing - Project and team management - NI 43-101 reporting and OIQ compliance **Major achievements:** Helped develop a flotation process for high-purity iron production, converted autogenous mills to semi-autogenous mills and implemented geometallurgy programs. **Approach and added value:** Catherine applies an iterative method focused on optimal data use and multidisciplinary collaboration, turning vague concepts into reliable technical solutions. - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") - [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals Speed is earned early in projects - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects") - [ 17 Jun 2026 Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp) Pierre Boucher, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") A sustainable tomorrow that starts today [ Discover our 2022 ESG Report ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/about/social-engagement-2) High-purity iron, which was recently added to Québec's list of critical minerals, could play a pivotal role in global decarbonization efforts. [Catherine Pelletier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pelletier-4384a7146/), Senior Engineer, Mining and Metals, at BBA, and[ Isabelle Leblanc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/), Vice-President, Mining and Metals, at BBA, explain how this mineral can be used to produce greener steel—a key material for the energy transition 1. [ ![BBA SM Linked In Effetingeniosite Etatdufer Suite Visuel EN](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_LinkedIn_Effetingeniosite_EtatduferSuite_Visuel_EN.jpg) ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/hero/BBA_SM_LinkedIn_Effetingeniosite_EtatduferSuite_Visuel_EN.jpg) 2. Including high-purity iron on Québec's list of critical and strategic minerals in early 2024 was a pivotal development for the industry and Canada’s emerging role in global decarbonization efforts. Iron is essential in steel production, which is vital for building the infrastructures and technologies needed for the energy transition, from wind turbines to electric vehicles. Yet, steel manufacturing is among the most carbon-intensive industries, generating approximately 2.01 tonnes of CO₂ for every tonne of steel produced. In response, more companies committed to global decarbonization are looking to source steel with a lower carbon footprint. This is where high-purity iron ore from the Labrador Trough becomes a game-changer: **1 – It reduces industry-wide emissions**: “The high purity of this iron ore supports the transition to greener steelmaking methods, such as direct reduction furnaces and electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing GHG emissions,” explains [Catherine Pelletier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-pelletier-4384a7146/), Senior Mining and Metals Engineer at BBA. **2 – It enables more scrap recycling**: High-purity iron concentrate allows for greater use of scrap metal contaminated with impurities. By diluting these impurities, it helps maintain the quality of the end product. **3 – Political stability and favourable environmental standards**: This high-purity iron ore is also found in a geopolitically stable country. The current regulatory framework upholds stringent environmental standards, further increasing its appeal. “Positioning Québec as a world leader will require a great deal of effort, but there’s a strong commitment among industry stakeholders who are working together to develop advanced expertise and cutting‑edge technologies to drive the growth of the green steel sector,” adds [Isabelle Leblanc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/), Vice-President, Mining and Metals at BBA. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA