📍Biocarbon in Metallurgy 2026 | Kraków, Poland (21–23 April)

Dr. Agnieszka Leopold (IMnI’s HSE & Regulatory Affair Manager) participated in the Biocarbon in Metallurgy 2026 event held in Kraków, which brought together industry experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the role of biomass in metallurgy as a low-carbon reductant.

Two key takeaways from the discussions:

🔹 Growing momentum: The use of biomass as a reductant in metallurgy appears to be gaining traction, supported by increasing research into its technical and economic feasibility. While large-scale deployment remains limited, discussions suggest the industry is moving in this direction, including for ferroalloy production such as manganese alloys.

🔹 Need for clarity in regulation and policy: There was a clear sense that policy frameworks need to evolve alongside R&D. More consistent definitions of biomass-derived carbon materials – and how they are treated in regulatory frameworks – could help reduce uncertainty and support wider adoption.

A promising space to watch as the sector continues its transition toward lower-carbon solutions.