AM/NS India Gains Exclusive License for CSIR-CRRI's Revolutionary Steel Slag Aggregates Technology, Embracing the Opportunity for Economic Prosperity in Infrastructure Construction via Waste Recycling
India is set to revolutionize its road infrastructure and contribute to its circular economy with the introduction of steel slag road technology. The Steel Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, is promoting the large-scale utilization of this industrial by-product.
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), a joint venture between two of the world's leading steel manufacturing organizations, has recently received a license from CSIR-CRRI for the 'Steel Slag Valorization Technology'. This license allows AM/NS India to apply the technology developed by CSIR-CRRI at their flagship plant in Hazira, Gujarat.
AM/NS India produces specially designed slag under the brand name 'AM/NS Aakar', which meets CSIR-CRRI's technical guidelines. The processed steel slag aggregates produced by AM/NS India are more durable and cost-effective than natural aggregates typically used in road and highway constructions, making steel slag roads approximately 30 to 40% more cost-effective and capable of lasting up to three times longer than traditional bitumen roads.
From an environmental and economic perspective, steel slag utilization supports the circular economy by converting industrial waste (steel slag) into valuable road construction material, thus reducing waste disposal needs and associated pollution risks. This recycling minimizes dependence on natural aggregates, preserving natural resources and lowering ecological impacts. The use of steel slag also reduces land, water, and air pollution by reusing industrial by-products instead of disposing of them.
The steel slag road technology has been hailed as a game-changer for India's road infrastructure by Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CRRI and the inventor of the technology. Pilot projects such as those in Andhra Pradesh validate the application of steel slag-based mixtures for quick pothole repairs, ensuring better quality and longevity of roads.
AM/NS India generates about 1.70 million tonnes of steel slag annually, which can now be processed as per the CSIR-CRRI's technology. The Steel Ministry expects steel slag generation to reach 60 million tonnes by FY 2030, considering the ongoing capacity augmentation in Indian steel plants.
The adoption of steel slag road technologies aligns with India's net-zero ambitions by reducing carbon footprint linked to natural aggregate extraction and bitumen production, promoting waste-to-wealth pathways integral to greener infrastructure development, and supporting energy-efficient steel production processes in parallel by industries like JSW Steel.
In summary, steel slag road technology in India improves infrastructure durability and cost-efficiency, advances circular economy by utilizing industrial waste as resource, and aids the nation’s drive toward sustainable, low-carbon development. The inauguration of the coastal steel slag road in Hazira and the development of the NH-53 diamond bourse in Surat demonstrate the successful application of the steel slag road technology by AM/NS India. This initiative supports India's circular economy, which is expected to generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create close to 10 million jobs by 2050.
- The steel slag road technology, a significant innovation in the realm of infrastructure, aligns with India's strategy for sustainable, low-carbon development.
- The large-scale utilization of steel slag in road constructions marks a step towards a circular economy, which aims to preserve natural resources.
- The collaboration between the Steel Ministry, the Ministry of Science & Technology, and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways fosters entrepreneurship in the Indian industry.
- Technology specifically developed for the green transformation of the economy, such as steel slag road technology, holds immense potential for the future of business and finance.
- The adoption of this latest technology in manufacturing, like AM/NS India's production of AM/NS Aakar, can contribute to environmental-science advancements by minimizing ecological impacts.
- The economy's shift towards renewable-energy sources and sustainable-living practices is furthered by the technology's focus on waste-to-wealth pathways.
- Data-and-cloud-computing capabilities will play a crucial role in the effective implementation and monitoring of such innovative technologies, such as the steel slag road technology.
- The 'Steel Slag Valorization Technology' not only supports energy-efficient steel production but also encourages education-and-self-development, as more people learn about cutting-edge solutions for a better lifestyle and home-and-garden environment.
- Personal-growth opportunities in the field of technology can be expanded by understanding and implementing the latest industrial breakthroughs, like the steel slag road technology.
- As steel slag road technology proves its effectiveness in real-world applications, it might inspire further advancements in science, industry, and lifestyle, helping India Lead thecharge towards greener, more sustainable living.
