A low-carbon refractory gunning mix was launched in March by Austrian refractory products supplier RHI Magnesita to assist mining and metallurgical sectors in reducing their environmental impact.

The new gunning mix – Ankerjet YW12-AT gunning mix – can reduce Scope 3 emissions by as much as 85%.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse-gas emissions that arise within a company’s value chain, but fall outside of its direct operational control, often representing the largest share of a company’s overall emissions profile.

The Ankerjet YW12-AT gunning mix makes use of circular raw materials, predominantly recycled magnesia-carbon and, as such incorporates up to 30% recycled content, while still maintaining the performance standards required in demanding metallurgical applications.

The Ankerjet YW12-AT gunning mix forms part of the broader Ankerjet Y product family and is currently being manufactured at RHI Magnesita’s production facility in Veitsch, Austria.

The product is intended for use in electric arc furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces and steel ladles.

The company undertook a test trial using 100 t ladles, during which the new product demonstrated strong adhesion characteristics, reduced rebound behaviour and enhanced thermal management capabilities.

Over five days, a dedicated team conducted extensive testing, applying 24 t of the material across 12 ladles and 21 different application samples.

The results were “compelling”, with operators reporting that Ankerjet YW12-AT adheres better than conventional products, even under more challenging conditions in the slag line of the ladle, the company explains.

RHI Magnesita further notes that the positive outcome of the trial prompted steel plant managers to approve a transition in their product portfolio to include the new solution.

The company adds that the Ankerjet YW12-AT will replace traditional refractory products as the standard offering, facilitating the substitution of 900 t of conventional material with a circular alternative.

This transition, according to the company, is expected to avoid the emission of about 500 t/y of CO₂.

New Model Towards the end of 2024, RHI Magnesita introduced its 4PRO refractory solutions contract model, which is designed to lead high-temperature industries like steel, cement, glass and non-ferrous metals towards a sustainable and technologically advanced future through a more holistic and contemporary approach. Under 4PRO, RHI Magnesita offers a comprehensive suite of sustainable, technology-driven products and services that are tailored to meet evolving industrial challenges. Each solution category – from sustainable products and robotics to systems, sensors and digital solutions – has been designed to deliver tangible performance benefits while contributing to sustainability and operational excellence. By integrating recycled materials, automation, real-time monitoring and digital platforms, RHI Magnesita supports industries in optimising high-temperature processes with greater efficiency and lower environmental impact. Reflecting RHI Magnesita’s mission to “master heat” for enabling modern industries to build a sustainable world, the company says 4PRO goes beyond traditional refractory offerings to deliver advanced, high-performance solutions while addressing critical sustainability needs through innovation and strategic partnerships. “As the world changes rapidly, we are committed to standing at the forefront of this transformation. 4PRO is more than a business model; it is a blueprint for an industry that values responsibility and resilience, and it is our answer to the urgent call for innovative and sustainable solutions,” says RHI Magnesita chief customer officer Gustavo Franco. He adds that the new solutions contract model to partner with customers reflects RHI Magnesita’s commitment to customers, its people and the planet, aligning the company’s services with the evolving needs of high-temperature industries as they adapt to a sustainable, responsible future.