Tata Steel’s coking divisions in the Netherlands are facing closure

Tata Steel IJmuiden is exploring ways to resolve the issue facing two of its coke-chemical units, which are at risk of closure due to excessive emissions of heavy metal particles and carcinogenic benzene. This was announced by the company’s CEO, Hans van den Berg, according to DutchNews.

In March, the company paid €8.5 million in fines for violating environmental standards set for these facilities, and further penalties are expected.

Tata Steel notes that it cannot shut down these facilities in the near future for economic reasons, but local residents are demanding action.

Meanwhile, the lower house of the Dutch parliament has agreed to support a €2 billion subsidy package for the Tata Steel facility in Eemeden, provided that the government enters into firm agreements regarding cleaner production.

As a reminder, Tata Steel Nederland recently announced the temporary shutdown of the Direct Sheet Plant (DSP)—a casting and rolling facility at the Eemeden site. The decision was made in coordination with Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied (ODNZKG) after recent emissions measurements showed that chromium-6 levels exceeded the permissible limit at one of the smokestacks.

As reported by GMK Center, the Dutch government is negotiating with Tata Steel Nederland regarding a potential support package of up to €2 billion for the green transformation of the Eemeden plant. At the same time, a group of economists is warning against providing billions in subsidies to the company, stating that the planned support would be “economically inefficient and risky.”