Decarbonizing its Côte-Nord operations with electric vehicles
Project overview: electric bus shuttle service for staff in isolated northern areas and free access to charging stations |
---|
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:
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