ArcelorMittal India get environmental approval for Hazira expansion

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture between the two largest steel producers in the world, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, has received environmental approval to increase capacity at its flagship plant in Hazira, Gujarat, from the current crude steel capacity of 9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to approximately 15 MTPA.

The company develops various steel grades for two- and three-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. These grades include those for the frame and chassis, wheels and axle covers, load bodies, and full body covers. They also include suspension systems, cabin and body panels, braking systems, and seating systems.

The government's National Steel Policy, which calls for tripling domestic capacity to 300 MTPA by 2030 in a developing economy, as well as AM/NS India's own long-term capacity expansion plans, will both benefit greatly from this enhanced steel manufacturing capability.

Aditya Mittal, Chairman, AM/NS India said, "Since entering the market in 2019, we have significantly improved performance at the Hazira plant and set out a clear vision to play a leading role in the decarbonisation and development of the Indian steel industry. We are committed to continual improvement in our environmental performance and to producing the high-quality, sustainable steel India needs to fulfil its economic ambitions.”

Dilip Oommen, CEO, AM/NS India said, " This expansion will give a fillip to our next phase of growth, enabling us to meet the growing domestic market demand, while also equipping us to produce high-grade value-added steel.”

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change gave its approval for the environmental clearance, which came after a thorough environmental impact assessment required by the ministry. Its report was given to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, which held a public meeting in Hazira in July under the direction of the district collector and magistrate of Surat District. The results of that meeting were then forwarded to the ministry for final clearance, the company said in a statement.