Tata Steel Nederland BV is facing a potential collective lawsuit after Dutch NGO Stichting Frisse Wind filed a claim seeking around USD 1.6 bln in compensation over alleged environmental and health impacts linked to operations at IJmuiden.
In a regulatory filing, Tata Steel said the NGO has brought proceedings before the District Court of North Holland in Haarlem against Tata Steel Nederland BV and Tata Steel IJmuiden BV under the Dutch Act on Collective Settlement of Mass Claims (WAMCA). The writ of summons was served on December 19, 2025. The claimant says it represents residents near the Velsen-Noord facilities, alleging harm from emissions of hazardous substances, increased health risks, reduced enjoyment of homes, and weaker local house prices.
Tata Steel rejected the allegations, calling them speculative and unsupported by evidence, and said it has not received supporting exhibits from the NGO. The company noted the action follows an earlier step in August 2023, when the NGO sought to hold Tata Steel liable for alleged emissions-related damage.
The steelmaker said it is prepared to defend the case and expects significant hurdles for the claimant on both admissibility and merits. Under WAMCA, proceedings are conducted in two stages, admissibility and merits, each potentially lasting two to three years, making near-term compensation discussions unlikely.
Tata Steel added it continues to invest in environmental improvements around IJmuiden under its Roadmap+ programme and the Green Steel Plan agreed with the Dutch government.
