FORCIT AND THE GREEN TRANSITION: ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

FORCIT is committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2035. In addition, we actively promote advancements in the production methods at the early stages of our value chain. Hydrogen, which is processed into ammonium nitrate through ammonia, plays a key role in making explosives more environmentally friendly. While green hydrogen production is still in its early phases, increasing demand and expanding production capacity are reshaping the market.

Customer needs driving change

With the green transition, interest in more sustainable solutions has grown, particularly among our key customers. The use of renewable fuels in transportation has already become a requirement in some customer projects. In Norway, Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification has become a standard requirement, whereas Finland is slightly behind in this development, though the trajectory is clear. The Nordic countries serve as an excellent example of the future of mining, where strict environmental regulations are already the norm.

Our objective is not just to develop green products but also to help solve our customers’ challenges. Many of our customers must comply with extensive sustainability reporting requirements, and we provide them with essential data.

Recycling and waste reduction

Recycling is a fundamental part of our sustainability strategy. Primarily, we aim to minimize the creation of waste in our production processes. The recycling of ammonium nitrate, for example, is often mandated by regulations, and its implementation is complex due to permit procedures. In 2022, we launched a project to research an optimal method to for decomposing and separating emulsion explosives. The research is continuing process, and it shows promising results (read more at page 12).

While some of our packaging is already recyclable, there is potential for further improvement. Additionally, we utilize recycled oils in emulsion production. Half of our matrix explosive manufacturing plants utilize Re-refined Base Oil (RRBO). In 2024, a quarter of all matrix production was based on RRBO, and this share is expected to double by 2025.

The future: toward a more sustainable mining industry

Our strategy is not based on rapid change but on long-term, ambitious development. The green transition presents a competitive advantage for us, yet it also requires continuous adaptation to evolving regulations and market demands as well as it challenges supply chain to find new alternatives.

Looking ahead, we are investing in even greener product solutions, improved recycling, and strengthening sustainability across our entire value chain. The growth of the mining industry and the green transition go hand in hand, and we aim to address these changes more effectively.

For us, the green transition is not just a trend but a necessity that the mining and explosives industries must embrace. We are committed to being a key player in this transformation, offering our customers responsible and competitive solutions.