India’s steel mills to triple scrap use

The Indian Government is pressing primary steel producers to ramp up the use of scrap in their processes to contribute towards a circular economy. By 2047, steel production should be 50% scrap-based, up from the current 15%, India’s steel minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told the International Material Recycling Conference in Kochi.

India aims to cut CO2 emissions in steel production by half in 2030 and the minister believes the country’s recycling sector has a crucial role to play. ‘Scrap is an extremely important source,’ Scindia said. ‘The scrap percentage for steel production should go up to 50% with the other 50% dependent on iron ore.’

His commitment was welcomed by the 2 000 delegates at the conference, organised by the Indian recyclers’ association MRAI. ‘We are extremely happy with the minister’s support,’ president Sanjay Mehta told Recycling International on the sidelines of the event. ‘The fact that the government is represented here in Kochi by the person responsible proves their recognition of the importance of the recycling industry for the future of my country.’     

India is witnessing spectacular economic growth with a 7% rise in GDP expected for this year. The Indian economy has risen from being the world’s tenth to the fifth largest economy, with a rapidly growing middle class. Construction and automotive are among the emerging sectors, thereby boosting scrap demand.