Iron ore pellet sector: environmental performance agreement overview

This environmental performance agreement is in effect from January 5, 2018 to June 1, 2026.

Iron ore pellet sector: environmental agreement

Objective

The objective of this agreement is to implement the base level industrial emissions requirements (BLIERs) developed for the iron ore pellet sector.

Signatories

This agreement has been negotiated between:

• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
• Iron Ore Company of Canada
• ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P.

Key requirements

The participating companies agree to:

1. achieve and maintain the BLIERs for emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)
2. participate in a nitrogen oxides (NO_x) technical working group
   • the working group will prepare a report including opportunities for the reduction and/or improved control of NO_x emissions

Deadlines

Where to submit

All annual reports are to be submitted electronically to ec.epa-epe.ec@canada.ca.

Performance results

Both companies submitted their annual report by the June 1 deadline. Reports indicate that both companies are on track to meet their emissions targets for PM_2.5 and SO₂ in 2019. The NO_x working group was created in July 2018 and is composed of industries, experts from the private sector, ECCC and provinces. We participated in the first meeting held on September 19, 2018.

Verification results

We received and verified the annual reports, which include PM_2.5 and sulfur content in fuel data. However, these requirements are applicable from July 2018. Based on insights from the data received, we will make modifications to the reporting template. These modifications are intended to improve next year’s reporting.

Background information

Federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers are taking action to better protect human health and the environment by endorsing and implementing the air quality management system. It includes:

• Canadian ambient air quality standards for fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone and SO₂
  
• BLIERs
• local air zone management by the provincial/territorial jurisdictions

Summary of instruments to implement BLIERs

The Government of Canada led a federal, provincial and territorial consensus process with stakeholder involvement to complete the development of BLIERs. For the iron ore pellet sector, quantitative BLIERs were developed for PM_2.5 and SO₂ and qualitative BLIERs were developed for NO_x.

Response to comments

A draft agreement was posted for public consultation on the Government of Canada's environmental performance agreements website for 60 days. No comments were received from stakeholders.

Contact us

Mining and Processing Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Email: ec.mmp-tmm.ec@canada.ca