K-Tec to become first scraper manufacturer to build its machines using fossil-free steel

By
Heavy Equipment Guide Staff
June 05, 2024

A heavy-duty scraper pulled by a large truck tractor hauls dirt across a job site.

K-Tec will pilot SSAB Fossil-free steel in the manufacturing of its heavy-duty scrapers. K-Tec

K-Tec is taking a step towards eliminating carbon emissions by partnering with SSAB to source pilot deliveries of its fossil-free steel for manufacturing heavy-duty scrapers. The SSAB steelmaking process produces virtually no carbon dioxide emissions while making fossil-free steel.

K.A. Group's President and CEO, Dan Pashniak says, "We are thrilled to have our K-Tec earthmoving equipment brand as the first scraper solution to incorporate SSAB Fossil-free steel," said Dan Pashniak, K.A. Group President. "It is also an honor for our organization to be the first Canadian manufacturing partner to collaborate with SSAB in this crucial initiative to lead our industry. We are excited to partner with SSAB as they strive to provide environmental steel solutions to advance towards a sustainable future."

The collaborative initiative by K-Tec reduces emissions and improves sustainability for scraper customers. K-Tec currently designs and manufactures lightweight and strong earthmoving equipment using SSAB's Hardox and Strenx performance steel. Lightweight, strong steel allows contractors to haul more material with their scraper. In addition, high-capacity scrapes allow for ore production and reduce cycles per day, cutting down the earthmoving carbon footprint compared to traditional earthmoving methods.

"This partnership demonstrates the commitment from both companies toward reducing carbon emissions," said Johnny Sjöström, Head of Special Steels at SSAB. "Our transformation to change the way steel is made is well underway, and we are proud to already have reached this far in our journey towards a fossil-free future."

SSAB is focused on producing steel with virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions. Pilot deliveries of SSAB Fossil-free steel use the HYBRIT technology, jointly developed by SSAB, iron ore producer LKAB, and energy company Vattenfall. It replaces the coking coal traditionally used for iron ore-based steelmaking with fossil-free electricity and green hydrogen. The byproduct remaining is water, rather than carbon dioxide emissions.