Since spring 2022, the two companies have been working together to create an electrified concept for industrial-scale climate-neutral lime production. Last summer, SMA Mineral became a shareholder in SaltX Technology by acquiring 15% of the company. Now, the parties are launching a joint factory concept and brand, ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime), to raise awareness of the concept and highlight the importance of limestone in modern society.

The first factory is expected to be completed by 2025. The co-owned concept is based on SaltX's patented technology for electric calcination, Electric Arc Calciner (EAC). The technology replaces oil and coal with fossil-free electricity and captures the carbon dioxide released during the intense heating of limestone.

SMA Mineral plans to replace its existing plants with the new ZEQL concept. The two companies are creating a new joint brand and factory concept to increase awareness and interest in the electrified manufacturing method and, in the future, offer other actors to utilize the concept to minimize their climate impact.