Mining customers increasingly demand solutions that deliver proven technical performance and operational reliability—while also enabling measurable reductions in carbon footprint. This is particularly critical for Scope 3 emissions, one of the most complex and impactful categories to manage across the mining value chain.
At the same time, the industry faces growing pressure to accelerate decarbonization efforts, especially those linked to indirect emissions associated with critical operational inputs. Addressing this challenge requires more than incremental change—it calls for innovation, collaboration, and a rethinking of traditional production models.
In response to this need, ME Elecmetal, through its Grinding Media division and in partnership with Long Teng (ME Long Teng), developed CO2Lite, a low-carbon grinding media solution launched in January 2024.
Based on extensive technical literature and leading industry sources—including the Chilean Copper Commission and the International Council on Mining and Metals—grinding media can account for up to 78% of Scope 3 emissions, after energy and explosives. As a result, innovations that significantly reduce the carbon footprint of grinding balls represent a powerful lever for decarbonizing mining operations.
CO2Lite was developed by rethinking conventional manufacturing processes, integrating circular economy principles, and adopting lower-emission production technologies—without compromising quality, performance, or reliability.
Following its market launch, CO2Lite underwent independent carbon-emissions verification. In September 2024, the product was certified under ISO 14064 and ISO 14067, with validity through September 2026.
The certification confirms that, compared to conventional grinding balls manufactured in blast furnaces using virgin ore as the primary input, CO2Lite—produced in an electric arc furnace (EAF) using scrap as the main input—achieves:
The implementation of CO2Lite at Minera Los Pelambres was recognized by Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA) during the Annual Meeting “Suppliers for a Better Future”, where ME Elecmetal was honored in the Sustainability category.
“CO2Lite demonstrates how applied innovation and the circular economy can have a tangible impact on the decarbonization of mining. Reducing the carbon footprint of a key input such as grinding media by more than 60% and contributing directly to our customers’ Scope 3 emissions reflects the value of working collaboratively to build a more sustainable mining industry”
— Cristian Rioseco, Grinding Media Business Manager for South America
CO2Lite represents the convergence of innovation, circularity, and customer collaboration. It is not simply a product, but a sustainability-driven value proposition that:
This recognition validates not only the environmental effectiveness of CO2Lite, but also ME Elecmetal’s role as a strategic partner—supporting customers in transforming their supply chains toward more sustainable, resilient models.
At ME Elecmetal, sustainability is a central pillar of our business strategy and a shared effort with our customers. CO2Lite is a clear example of how applied innovation can generate real impact today—supporting the mining industry’s climate goals while laying the foundation for a more responsible future.
We will continue to advance solutions that integrate operational performance, circular economy principles, and decarbonization—reaffirming our commitment to being a trusted partner for sustainable mining.
