Tata Steel IJmuiden and Ecocem Materials signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation on the development and potential use of steelmaking slags in low-carbon cement, mortar, and concrete applications in Europe.
The agreement builds on an existing joint research program and focuses on the development of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag as alternative cementitious materials. The companies are also continuing their existing cooperation on the use of granulated blast furnace slag (GBS) in cement and concrete production.
The project aims to support the decarbonization of the cement and steel industries by replacing clinker, the most carbon-intensive component in cement, with steelmaking by-products. The companies said the initiative also supports circular economy objectives through the reuse of industrial by-products.
Under the collaboration, the companies will assess technical, commercial, and regulatory pathways for the use of BOF and EAF slags in low-carbon construction materials.
Tata Steel Nederland stated that the project forms part of its broader Green Steel strategy, while Ecocem said the cooperation could support the development of next-generation low-carbon cement solutions for the European construction sector.
Ecocem is a Europe-based producer of low-carbon cement technologies and operates production facilities in France, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
Tata Steel Nederland is one of Europe’s major steel producers and part of India-based Tata Steel Group.