New Delhi : Union Steel Secretary Nagendra Nath Sinha (IAS: 1987: JH) urged steel industry that it must act as ‘trustees of the Earth’ by reducing emissions and promoting sustainability during a national workshop held in quality iron ore that requires additional processing.
Sinha explained the challenges faced by the industry, including the limited availability of domestic scrap, which stands at only 20-25 million tonnes. He also pointed out the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change focused on the beneficiation of low-grade iron ore to improve its suitability for steelmaking.
“While the Ministry will continue to provide guidance and nudge, it is imperative that the steel industry itself takes up the mantle as trustees of the Earth to work towards reducing emissions and promoting sustainability,” Sinha said. He emphasised that substantial control over emissions exists within the industry, particularly since 90% of emissions originate from within the factory gates.
Speaking at the workshop, Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Leena Nandan (IAS: 1987: UP), highlighted India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2030, which aim for a 45% reduction in emission intensity of the economy and a target of sourcing 50% of energy from non-fossil fuels. “India’s commitment is reflected in our ambitious national goals and the steel industry’s efforts must align with these to ensure substantial progress,” Nanda added.