AM/NS India Acquires CSIR-CRRI's Pioneering Steel Slag Aggregates Technology License for Financial Opportunities in Infrastructure Development through Waste Utilization
AM/NS India Secures License for Steel Slag Valorisation Technology, Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Development
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has made a significant stride in promoting sustainable infrastructure development in India. The steel manufacturing giant has secured the license for steel slag valorisation technology from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).
This technology enables the conversion of steel slag, a steel manufacturing by-product, into durable and cost-effective road construction aggregates. By replacing natural aggregates with processed steel slag aggregates, roads can become up to three times more durable and 30-40% more cost-effective, while reducing maintenance needs and supporting diverse climate conditions.
The sustainable use of waste materials is one of the key advantages of this technology. AM/NS India produces over 1.70 million tonnes of steel slag annually, which, with this technology, can be transformed from waste into valuable construction material. This not only reduces landfill and environmental risks but also contributes to a circular economy by recycling industrial waste.
The technology also supports net-zero goals by diminishing carbon emissions associated with mining, processing, and transporting natural materials. By substituting natural aggregates and recycling steel slag, the initiative aligns with efforts to reduce India's carbon footprint.
The steel slag roads outperform standard bitumen roads in lifespan and cost, implying longer-lasting infrastructure with fewer repairs. This directly contributes to a reduction in emissions related to frequent maintenance activities.
AM/NS India, a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, two of the world's leading steel manufacturing organizations, has received this license, making them the first company in India to do so. With this license, AM/NS India is now allowed to manufacture, market, or sell the specially designed processed steel slag aggregates for road construction.
The company has already demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology by building a one-kilometer, six-lane road made from steel slag, which was recognized by the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records. The world's first coastal steel slag road was inaugurated inside a private port at Hazira, and another steel slag road 'NH-53 diamond bourse' in Surat was developed using 'AM/NS Aakar'.
This initiative supports India's circular economy, which is expected to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050. AM/NS India has partnered with CSIR-CRRI to promote the adoption of steel slag road technology.
Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CRRI and inventor of the technology, stated that the steel slag road technology is a game-changer for India's road infrastructure. The Steel Ministry expects steel slag generation to reach 60 million tonnes by FY 2030, considering the ongoing capacity augmentation in Indian steel plants.
The Director and Vice President of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has expressed pride in receiving the first license for steel slag valorisation technology. This license empowers AM/NS India to contribute meaningfully to India's sustainable infrastructure agenda and to its net-zero emissions target through innovative waste valorization.
- This innovation in steel slag valorization technology by AM/NS India promises to advance sustainable infrastructure development in India's expanding economy.
- The technology's potential to convert waste steel slag into road construction aggregates can make infrastructure up to three times more durable and 30-40% more cost-effective.
- By embracing technology and science, AM/NS India aims to reduce maintenance needs, support diverse climate conditions, and contribute to a circular economy.
- Workplace wellness and health-and-wellness are promoted through the technology's ability to minimize environmental risks and enhance industry practices.
- Fitness-and-exercise is encouraged indirectly as mechanized mining and transportation of natural materials for infrastructure can be minimized, supporting a healthier environment.
- Climate-change initiatives are aligned with this technology as it diminishes carbon emissions associated with mining, processing, and transporting natural materials.
- Investments in renewable-energy and environmental-science are fostered as the technology supports India's net-zero emissions target by recycling industrial waste.
- Despite being a manufacturing industry, AM/NS India demonstrates its commitment to business sustainability and entrepreneurship as it prioritizes data-and-cloud-computing and education-and-self-development.
- Personal-growth and career-development are promoted within the organization through the granting of this license, as AM/NS India can now contribute more meaningfully to national infrastructure projects.
- Financial gains are expected as this technology contributes to India's circular economy, which is projected to generate over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050.
- By embracing this technology and shifting toward sustainability, AM/NS India and India as a whole can create a more resilient, fit, and environmentally friendly nation.
