AMMC
Decarbonizing its Côte-Nord operations with electric vehicles
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Project overview: electric bus shuttle service for staff in isolated northern areas and free access to charging stations |
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Number of electric vehicles: 8 buses Year of implementation: pilot project in 2021, implementation in 2023 Number of charging stations to date: 12 since 2016 |
Project history and implementation
AMMC is a world leader in steel and one of the five largest producers of iron ore in the world. Its subsidiaries ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada (AMIC) and ArcelorMittal Mining Canada (AMMC) are two complementary entities operating in Côte-Nord, Québec. AMIC transports iron concentrate between the Mont-Wright mining complex, near Fermont, and Port-Cartier. This subsidiary also operates a seaport in Port-Cartier, enabling AMMC products to be transported and shipped to four continents. AMMC produces iron oxide concentrate and pellets for the steel market. The two companies employ over 2,500 people, making ArcelorMittal the Côte-Nord's largest employer.
The electrification of transport is one of ArcelorMittal's preferred solutions for reducing its carbon footprint. The company began installing electric charging stations at its sites in 2016. Then, in 2020, the ArcelorMittal Group made a commitment to decarbonize its operations to be carbon neutral by 2050, relying, among other things, on electrification.
The two main actions implemented by ArcelorMittal to encourage electric mobility among its employees are as follows:
- Providing free access to charging stations
ArcelorMittal continues to progressively install charging stations. In 2023, there will be a total of 12 FLO charging stations at various company offices and buildings in the Côte-Nord region. These are available free of charge to employees. - Setting up an electric commuter service in Fermont
In April 2023, ArcelorMittal became the first company in Côte-Nord and the first mining company in Québec to transport its workforce in electric buses. These vehicles are used daily between Fermont and the Mont-Wright mining complex.
The commuter project began as a pilot project in 2021 with the loan of three electric buses. This phase enabled the e-buses to be tested in Fermont's northern climatic conditions. As this real-life test was conclusive, eight electric buses were purchased in 2023. These vehicles are operated by Transport Therrien, a subsidiary of Groupe Autobus Maheux, and are for the exclusive use of ArcelorMittal. In addition to staff commuting, they are also used for sightseeing tours of the Mont-Wright mining complex during the summer season.
Tips for a successful electrification project
- Start small: during the pilot project, three buses were used to assess the feasibility of the project on a larger scale.
- Test in real-life conditions: this is essential if the climate is demanding. The pilot project took place in the winter of 2021-2022, in climatic conditions typical of Northern Québec.
- Consider vehicle loans: transport companies may be interested in this possibility. For the duration of the pilot project, three electric buses were loaned.
- Communicate: both on the initiative itself and on the logistics of its implementation, to enable staff to become aware of it and support it.