ABOUT EVOLYS
Carbon is an essential element in nature. Thanks to its unique ability to combine with other elements, and its wide range of potential uses, it is still needed in industrial activities. To reduce emissions from industrial processes, Évolys has developed an alternative product, producing more environmentally-friendly and sustainable carbon sources. Biocarbon is the carbon naturally absorbed and stored by plants and trees. By developing biocarbon, we are paving the way for new, sustainable value chains that benefit both nature and industry.
BIOCARBON : A WAY TO DECARBONISE OUR METALLURGICAL PROCESSES
In November 2023, Rio Tinto and Aymium strengthened their partnership in order to develop and trial a renewable biocarbon product for use as an alternative resource to reduce emissions in large-scale industrial processes. The product has been successfully trialed as a replacement for the anthracite used in ilmenite smelting processes at Rio Tinto’s metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, a world-leading producer of high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock as well as iron and steel for specialised applications. Rio Tinto has also made a further equity investment in Aymium. The second investment is part of Rio Tinto’s support for the innovations needed to meet its 2030 emission reduction targets and deliver low-carbon supply chains.
THE PARTNERSHIP
In 2024, Rio Tinto and Aymium teamed up on a project to develop strategic biocarbon activities. The product of that partnership, Évolys, is now Canada’s leading producer of biocarbon.
WHAT IS BIOCARBON?
Biocarbon is an immediately available replacement for the coal products needed for ilmenite processing and other large-scale industrial processes.
HOW DOES ÉVOLYS MAKE BIOCARBON?
To produce its biocarbon, Évolys sources certified renewable wood fibres from local suppliers.
The fibre comes from regional forestry partners and mainly consists of residues from the forestry sector and from species.
These wood fibres are processed using our innovative pyrolysis technology.
The renewable biocarbon produced by Évolys will replace fossil products, allowing Quebec industries to reduce their emissions.
The metallurgical biocarbon produced by Évolys is the chosen replacement for the anthracite used in some of the operations of Rio Tinto, a world-leading producer of high-grade titanium dioxide feedstock as well as iron and steel for specialised applications.
Évolys will provide Rio Tinto and others with a local supply of metallurgical biocarbon for their Quebec operations, thereby reducing the metallurgical industry’s greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels.
REDUCING OUR EMISSIONS
Large organisations dedicated to decarbonisation will be that much closer to achieving net zero emissions, all while promoting green technologies and their partnerships with Évolys.
For the province of Quebec, Évolys provides a unique opportunity to rapidly implement a proven technology to produce sustainable biocarbon, a strategic raw material that’s in high demand and will play an essential role in Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonise.
By using local biomass, Évolys helps Quebec organisations move from sourcing anthracite globally to sourcing alternative resources locally, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
Biocarbon production and local sourcing could reduce Type 3 emissions for downstream steel and titanium customers in Quebec.