Newsroom Tata Steel Nederland

Statement on the decision by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) to prosecute Tata Steel IJmuiden (TSIJ)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:01:58 +0200

The decision by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) to prosecute Tata Steel IJmuiden (TSIJ) for “allowing undercooked coke to occur” in the Coke and Gas Plants (KGF) 1 and 2 and for not reporting this in a timely manner deeply affects the company.

TSIJ considers being a good neighbor to the local community of fundamental importance and is fully committed to minimizing its impact on the surrounding area wherever possible. The company takes concerns and criticism seriously and remains committed to implementing measures to drive continuous improvement. Tata Steel Nederland's CO₂ intensity is approximately 1.66 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of crude steel produced, placing the company among the more CO₂-efficient integrated steel producers globally.

TSIJ has for some time been engaged in discussions with the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Service (Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied), the relevant supervisory authority, regarding the occurrence of so‑called “undercooked coke.” Coke has a double function: to reduce the iron ores to iron and as a fuel used to reach high temperatures in blast furnaces, in order to melt iron ore for the production of liquid pig iron. TSIJ produces this coke in plants KGF 1 and 2, approximately 135,000 batches (pushes) per year.

Occasionally, a batch was not fully “cooked,” resulting in a short-term peak emission. TSIJ seeks to minimize such undercooked coke, but in an industrial production process of this scale it is technically unavoidable that, on occasion, a coke batch is not fully cooked. Therefore, an absolute guarantee to prevent undercooked coke can never be given.

TSIJ has been engaged in an in-depth technical discussion on this subject with the Environmental Service for a considerable period. Based on those discussions and the measures taken, TSIJ has implemented substantial and tangible improvements since 2020. As a result, the number of instances of “undercooked coke” has been reduced by 98%; in the period from January 2020 to May 2026, this averaged less than 0.011%. This is below the industry average. In recent years, only a few cases have occurred out of 135,000 pushes per year, with 1 instance in 2023, and zero in 2024 and 2025. For these reasons, TSIJ considers the allegations fundamentally to be unjustified.

TSIJ also considers it unnecessary to initiate criminal proceedings regarding a limited number of KGF incidents from the past, which have in fact been the subject of technical improvements. In light of the fact that TSIJ has long been in dialogue with the Environmental Service on undercooked coke, TSIJ believes this case adds nothing. Moreover, KGF 1 and 2 will in any event be fully closed in the coming years as part of the Green Steel Project, through which TSIJ will transition to a more sustainable method of steel production.

The allegations are being further reviewed by TSIJ. A substantive defence will, of course, be presented during the court proceedings.

Tata Steel Nederland terminates contract with Donald Pols

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:52:19 +0200

This morning, the Board of Directors of Tata Steel Netherlands decided not to proceed with Donald Pols as Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of Communications. In recent days, it has become clear that additional information about his background has come to light—information that has affected us and was not previously shared with the company.

The Board of Directors of Tata Steel Netherlands regrets that not all information, which was important for making a well-considered decision regarding his appointment, was provided during the discussions in the recruitment process.

Therefore, the Board of Directors decided this morning to terminate Donald Pols’ contract with immediate effect.

Tata Steel Nederland exploring earlier closure Coke and Gas Plants

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:21:54 +0200

Tata Steel Nederland (TSN) is currently exploring a faster-than-previously planned closure of the Coke and Gas Plants (KGF 1 and 2). The technical and logistical complexity of such a closure is significant, particularly in relation to ensuring proper safeguards for environmental aspects and safety.

TSN has been informed by the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Agency (ODNZKG) by letter of its intention to revoke the permits for the Coke and Gas Plants. This letter, and the uncertainty it creates regarding the timeline, also leads to broader uncertainty for TSN as a whole. Tata Steel Limited (TSL), the parent company, has referred to this in its financial reporting.

TSN has communicated to the ODNZKG how the closure of KGF 1 and 2 should take place in a safe, responsible and controlled manner.

TSN’s focus is on finding a solution that is appropriate for all stakeholders, taking into account all relevant interests, including the continuity of the business.

Response to ILT Order Subject to a Penalty

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:13:14 +0200

Tata Steel IJmuiden has received the decision of the Inspectorate for the Environment and Transport (ILT) to impose an order subject to a penalty payment in relation to the CLP classification of LD steel slag, and will study it carefully.

Steel slag is an inseparable part of steel production. Producing steel without generating steel slag is not possible. Steel slag has been used for decades throughout Europe in construction and infrastructure.

For a material that is produced and used across Europe, a Europe‑wide scientific assessment is required. REACH is European legislation that applies to the entire European steel sector. Tata Steel IJmuiden is actively committed to the European update process of the REACH registration, which is currently being carried out by the European REACH Ferrous Slag Consortium. European clarity is expected in the near term, which will provide guidance for all Member States.

Tata Steel IJmuiden operates in accordance with the precautionary principle, regardless of the formal classification of LD steel slags. We apply control measures and inform customers of LD steel slags about the potential risks and appropriate precautionary measures. We are fully commitment to his principle.

Tata Steel calls on activists not to disrupt chess tournament

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:14:52 +0100

Activists are staging a protest during the opening of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Tata Steel Netherlands is calling on activists not to disrupt the prestigious international chess event.

We respect everyone’s right to demonstrate and to draw attention to the need for a rapid transition from fossil raw materials to sustainable alternatives. Both the activists and we share the same goal: the transition from coal to a greener, cleaner, and more circular way of producing steel in the IJmond region. This is why our Green Steel plan exists.

We differ in opinion regarding the timeline, and we have spoken with various activist groups about this on several occasions. As far as we are concerned, the dialogue will remain open.

‘Wimbledon of chess’

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament is a world‑famous chess event held annually in January at community center De Moriaan in Wijk aan Zee. This year marks the 88th edition. It is one of the largest and strongest tournaments, featuring top-level players (14 masters and 14 challengers) and attracting more than ten thousand visitors from around the world over the course of two weeks. The tournament has an important place on the international chess calendar, is a household name in the chess world, and is often referred to as the “Wimbledon of chess.”

Boost for the coastal village

What began in 1938 as an employee tournament of the steel company has grown into an international event of global stature. Since 2010, the tournament (formerly Hoogovens and Corus) has been named after Tata Steel. The event ensures that during the usually quiet winter months, chess enthusiasts travel to Wijk aan Zee in January. This gives a boost to the local economy — the original reason the tournament was moved to the coastal village.

We hope that the activists take responsibility and act respectfully, especially toward the hundreds of amateur players, emerging talents, and grandmasters participating in the tournament, as well as the thousands of spectators.

Collective action Stichting Frisse Wind

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:20:12 +0100

Stichting Frisse Wind has filed a collective action against Tata Steel with the North Holland court. This is the next step in the process in which they previously, in August 2023, held Tata Steel liable for damage caused by emissions of hazardous and/or harmful substances. We will review the documents.

Health and a clean living environment are important topics for us, just as they are for local residents and other stakeholders. We certainly take feedback and suggestions into account as we continuously work to improve our plants and reduce emissions of dust, noise, and odor.

In recent years, we have taken various measures to ensure cleaner production. For example, we are reducing emissions of lead, other metals, and PAHs. The results of these measures can be found in our reports and on our website.

With our Green Steel plan, we will take even more measures to improve the living environment. This has been explicitly considered in the recently concluded Joint Letter of Intent. We will continue to work on additional measures to further reduce emissions. In this way, we aim to contribute to a better living environment in the IJmond region. That is what local residents want, and what we want as well, and we are happy to keep the dialogue going.

Tata Steel Netherlands stands behind the European Commission's Steel Action Plan.

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:40:26 +0100

The European Commission today presented an action plan for the steel industry. The 'Steel Action Plan' discusses solutions for, among other things, flaws in border carbon adjustments (CBAM), energy prices, and addressing unfair competition.

Hans van den Berg – CEO Tata Steel Netherlands:
"With this plan, the EC acknowledges the strategic importance of the steel sector for our continent and our industry. The commission has identified the right challenges in the current steel market. However, we urge the EU to expedite the repair of the CBAM and call on the Dutch government to ensure a level playing field in terms of energy with the countries around us. If this happens, our company can contribute to prosperity and security in the Netherlands in the coming decades."

Energy Costs
Reducing energy costs is crucial for the steel industry. The Commission's proposals on energy costs carry the risk of further weakening the level playing field between member states. We would like to see the Dutch government adopt the recommendations and opportunities from the European Commission, and develop a plan to align the costs for the Dutch industry with those of the countries around us. Belgium and Germany have already taken extensive measures, and the Netherlands cannot afford to lag behind.

CBAM
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is intended to prevent CO2 leakage. Through CBAM, companies from countries without a domestic CO2 price (which we have in Europe) must still pay for their CO2 emissions. If CBAM works well, it will create a more level playing field in the internal European market and prevent CO2 leakage.

In its current setup, CBAM is not sufficiently effective because it is possible to circumvent the regulations. Products containing steel are not covered by CBAM, and if steel companies in other continents send low-CO2 steel to Europe without taking action on the rest of their production, CBAM does not contribute to reducing global CO2 emissions.

Additionally, in its current setup, CBAM does not ensure that the export position of European companies remains competitive on a global scale. Steel is a global market, and European steel exports made with clean technologies also require a level playing field.

Unfair Competition
Another issue that the European Commission aims to address is unfair competition. It is good to see that the commission continues to address protection against unfair competition. The current set of measures expires in 2026 and needs to be replaced. The new measures need to be strengthened in some areas.

Circularity
Europe faces a shortage of metal scrap, which is necessary for producing cleaner steel. Therefore, Tata Steel supports the export duties on metal scrap proposed by the European Commission, such as limiting exports and improving scrap quality.

Tata Steel Nederland positive about plans Clean Industrial Deal

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:57:29 +0100

Tata Steel Nederland (TSN) is pleased with the principles of the Clean Industrial Deal presented by the European Union today. We endorse the need for a European agenda to make the industry more competitive, cleaner, and future-proof. Our Green Steel plan aligns well with the objectives of the European Union and those of Tata Steel Nederland.

Demand and circularity
The transformation of Tata Steel Nederland can only be completed with a functioning market for clean steel. It is positive to see that the European Commission aims to take ambitious steps in the area of demand creation for clean steel. These steps are necessary in order to prevent fossil steel from hindering the development of the market for green steel.

Steel can be infinitely recycled. It is therefore positive that the Commission wants to do more to promote the circular economy. This is good for the steel sector and for the strategic autonomy of Europe. In the coming years, Tata Steel Nederland aims to use more scrap in the steelmaking process. Currently, steel is made with 17% scrap, which will increase to around 30%.

Simultaneously with the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Commission presents the action plan for affordable energy. In this field the Commission states it sees a significant role for the member states. Tata Steel Nederland is positive about the broader opportunities for dealmaking between the industry and national governments.

In recent months, Tata Steel Nederland has made various efforts to restore a level playing field for the Dutch industry. We made clear that the government and industry must work together to ensure that the Netherlands remains a country of makers. Additional levies that weaken our industry must stop, so that the Netherlands obtains a level playing field in Europe. Innovations should not get bogged down in red tape. This position is also in line with the recommendations from the Clean Industrial Deal.

Ambition
Tata Steel Nederland hopes that the European Commission will do more to lower the price of green-produced hydrogen. This can only be achieved through scaling up hydrogen. The steel company also hopes for more concrete steps against unfair competition from third countries.

Extinction Rebellion conducts a demonstration on the premises of Tata Steel, resulting in a hazardous situation

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:14:00 +0100

Approximately 9 activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) have climbed over the fences onto the grounds of Tata Steel Nederland and are currently located in the raw materials area. The security service of Tata Steel and the police are on site. Tata Steel has requested the demonstrators to leave as they are situated in an extremely dangerous location where large machinery operates and conveyor belts are in use. The activists have not complied with this request. The personnel of Tata Steel have been informed. Tata Steel's priority is to ensure the optimal safety of the demonstrators. Therefore, Tata Steel has secured the installations in the raw materials area, and the conveyors and wheel excavators are at a standstill.

Tata Steel Nederland's spokesperson regarding the XR action stated, "We respect everyone's right to demonstrate, but it is disappointing that Extinction Rebellion has once again chosen to disrupt our business operations. Wandering around our premises is dangerous and contributes nothing to 'stop using coals'. This action therefore misses its intended goal. Tata Steel, through its Green Steel plan, aims to (largely) 'stop using coals', but unlike XR, we have a realistic approach in mind. We have offered the activists a meeting with our management."

Response to the advice of the Health Expert Group IJmond: "Come and measure with us"

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:35:48 +0200

October 4, 2024: Today, the Health Expert Group IJmond presented its second advisory report to the State Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management. Tata Steel Netherland greatly appreciates the research and advice provided by the Expert Group under the leadership of Professor Dr. Marcel Levi, and we aim to follow up on it as effectively and promptly as possible.

The Expert Group states that residents in the IJmond area should have the same opportunities for good health as other residents in urban areas in the Netherlands. We understand this very well, as we are deeply rooted in the IJmond area ourselves. We have 10,000 employees of which the majority live here, with their families.

Measurement and interpretation

The focus of the report is on the independent verification of our emissions measurements and the public disclosure of the data as a result of these measurements. Tata Steel sees opportunities for further steps and improvement. Openness and transparency is where we should focus on and benefit from. . We already publish all our measurement data in a special Environmental Annual Report that we publish annually. However, we realize these data are difficult for third parties or public at large to understand. We are pleased to read that the Expert Group states that our measurements are of good quality. We take to heart the assertion that we keep measurements secret.

Together with the Expert Group, relevant ministries, and other parties, Tata Steel wants to explore how we can improve the measurement of emissions and their interpretation as quickly and effectively as possible. Therefore, we would like to collaborate with external parties to further investigate the effects of our emissions.

Ruth van de Moesdijk, Director of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment at Tata Steel, says, "We will ensure that the points identified by the expert group are given even higher priority at our internal board meetings so that we can take them into account in our decision-making process.

We believe it is important to be part of a broader investigation in the Netherlands into ultrafine particles. In our view, one or more external, independent, and accredited parties are welcome to come and measure ultrafine particles, just like in other locations in the Netherlands, and to interpret their values and effects given the complexity of this subject.

We also want to explore how, in collaboration with the Expert Group and/or other parties, we can make our measurement results more transparent and understandable for residents and other stakeholders. The last thing we want is uncertainty or doubt. We take the concerns of local residents about this matter extremely seriously and hope to alleviate these concerns with more transparency."

Integration of health into the Green Steel (Maatwerk) Plan

As a company working in the heavy industrial company, our emissions cannot be reduced to zero. However, this does not mean that we do not strive to further minimize the impact on the environment in the IJmond.

Together with the relevant authorities, permit issuers, and other institutions such as RIVM, GGD, and the expert group, we want to assess how to integrate health in the right way into the Customized Plan, ideally without causing delays. We have been working on a wide range of measures to reduce the emissions of odor, dust, and noise for some time. We have also included additional measures, such as the coverage of our raw material storage, in our Green Steel plan. We want to proceed with these measures as soon as possible, as our ultimate goal is a clean, green, circular, and sustainable steel company in the IJmond area.

Continuing to reduce the impact on the environment

For us, the most important thing is that we all share a common goal: further improving our processes and reducing the impact on the living environment. A clean environment is in everyone's interest. To achieve this, we have an extensive package of measures in place (our Roadmap Plus plan) and we are investing more than 300 million euros. With these kinds of measures, we are accelerating towards a cleaner l environment.

As stated, the production of Steel will never be a 100% clean industry. Nevertheless, we continue to focus on clean, green, circular steel and strive to minimize the negative impact on the environment. In our Green Steel Plan, we particularly focus on those aspects of nuisance that, according to the RIVM, affect health. We continue to engage in dialogue with all relevant authorities. We want to be part of the solution, not the problem.