ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AMNS India) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to study the potential use of iron ore tailings in agricultural applications, the companies said.
The collaboration aims to evaluate whether iron ore tailings generated during beneficiation can be safely used as a source of minerals and nutrients in crop production, supporting resource conservation and circular economy initiatives.
Preliminary laboratory and field studies conducted since 2024 at ICAR-IARI in New Delhi and near AMNS India’s beneficiation facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh, showed potential applications in crops including paddy, wheat and vegetables. The tailings contain naturally occurring minerals including silica, iron oxides, alumina, calcium and magnesium.
Under the new MoU, long-term studies will be carried out over multiple growing seasons at facilities in New Delhi and Kirandul. The research will assess crop response, nutrient availability, phytotoxicity, leaching behavior and the overall environmental impact of using iron ore tailings in agriculture.
The initiative could help reduce the need for long-term storage of mining by-products while exploring potential applications in nutrient-deficient soils and agricultural production. However, the companies said further scientific evaluation is required to establish safe and beneficial use.
AMNS India said the project forms part of its broader sustainability efforts focused on resource efficiency, waste valorization and circular economy practices. The company currently reuses or recycles more than 90pct of process by-products generated from its operations.
AMNS India is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel and has 9 mln tons per year of crude steel capacity in India, along with 20 mln tons per year of pellet capacity. It is also developing an 8.2 mln tons per year integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh.