Tata Steel IJmuiden Faces Criminal Charges for Environmental Violations

Amsterdam: Dutch prosecutors have launched criminal proceedings against the Dutch arm of Tata Steel, accusing the company of deliberately and illegally releasing harmful substances into the environment, potentially endangering public health.

The Dutch public prosecutor's office said it suspects Tata Steel IJmuiden of multiple criminal offences, including the intentional discharge of hazardous substances into the atmosphere and failing in its duty of care.

The case stems from a criminal investigation launched in 2022 after a complaint filed by a lawyer representing more than 800 people. Prosecutors said the probe into the steel production process and the operation of Tata Steel's coke oven gas plants found sufficient evidence to take the company to court.

Authorities allege the company failed to carry out adequate maintenance, operated certain facilities without authorisation, and did not report several incidents involving raw coke, a coal-derived fuel used in blast furnaces to produce steel.

Tata Steel IJmuiden said it takes the concerns and criticism seriously and will continue implementing improvement measures. It said it is working to minimise the production of under-baked coke, while noting that occasional incomplete baking is "technically inevitable."

The company also argued there is little value in pursuing criminal proceedings over a limited number of past incidents that it says have already been addressed through technical improvements.

Separately, Dutch prosecutors said they are investigating whether individuals in management positions could face personal criminal liability. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 20 in the Amsterdam District Court.