Dutch public prosecutors have decided to bring criminal charges against Tata Steel IJmuiden over alleged environmental violations following a years-long investigation into pollution from the company’s steelworks.
According to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, the company is accused of intentionally and unlawfully releasing harmful substances into the air, failing to comply with its duty of care by inadequately maintaining production facilities, operating parts of the plant without the required permits and failing to report several pollution incidents.
The investigation stems from a criminal complaint filed in 2021 on behalf of more than 800 local residents living near the IJmuiden steelworks, who alleged that emissions from the plant had adversely affected public health.
The case primarily concerns emissions from Tata Steel’s coke oven gas facilities, where environmental authorities have raised concerns over pollution from aging production units. The regional environmental agency has also sought to revoke permits for the coke plants.
The first court hearing is scheduled for 20 November at the Amsterdam District Court. Dutch prosecutors said investigations into whether individual company executives will also face charges remain ongoing.
The legal proceedings come as Tata Steel continues negotiations with the Dutch government over financial support for its decarbonization programme, which includes plans to modernize the IJmuiden steelworks and reduce emissions.
Tata Steel Nederland is a subsidiary of the India-based Tata Steel Group, focusing on high-quality strip steel for demanding sectors such as automotive, construction, and packaging, with an annual crude steel production capacity of 7.5 mln tons per annum.