Energy ministers attending last week’s national conference in St. John’s are defending the use of terms such as “green” steel and aluminum in the push to reduce carbon emissions.

Ottawa recently provided more than $3 million to help Tacora Resources in Wabush remove manganese and silica from mined ore, with the end product considered carbon-free.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says that’s where the “green” comes in.

He says green steel means it’s been processed without creating carbon emissions, adding it can’t be made without using renewable and other non-emitting sources of energy, such as hydro.

Wilkinson cited the auto industry as a prime example of opportunity, noting every vehicle manufacturer is moving that way.

Tacora Resources is also contributing $6.2 million of its own funds toward the greening and cleaning of its ore.