Slag to Cement with Outokumpu

Steel slag, a byproduct of stainless steel production, contains key minerals that could serve as a partial replacement for traditional cement components like clinker, lime, or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). While slag is currently used in applications such as aggregate for road construction, Outokumpu sees a strong opportunity to unlock its full potential by refining and activating it for high-value cementitious applications, including cement, concrete additives, and industrial binders. This shift could significantly improve the economic and environmental impact of slag utilization. 

Key challenges include optimizing slag mineralogy, ensuring consistent material performance, and addressing the presence of elements such as chromium. Any viable solution must also not only process slag into a usable cementitious material but also integrate seamlessly into existing industrial ecosystems, demonstrate commercial scalability, and contribute to Outokumpu’s sustainability goals, such as by enabling value creation through carbon capture and CO2 mineralization.

Summary of the requested solution

Outokumpu is looking for startups that can:

• Develop cementitious or binder solutions using steel slag, enabling high-value applications such as replacement of clinker, lime, GGBFS, or other cement components.
• Provide processing innovations to enhance slag reactivity and consistency for cement applications.
• Identify cost-effective and scalable solutions for transforming slag into a usable cement raw material.

Deadline for the opportunity: 13th April 2025

This collaboration offers startups the chance to work directly with Outokumpu, gaining access to industrial-scale slag production and a potential market for sustainable cement applications. Outokumpu is looking for partners who can bring technical expertise, innovative processing methods, and scalable business models that enable high-value applications for steel slag. Strong stakeholder commitment and cross-industry partnerships will be essential to drive this initiative forward and create commercially viable solutions.