New Delhi | Mumbai, India | 31st July 2025:
- This means company can apply the special technology developed by CSIR-CRRI to scientifically process steel slag aggregates at the flagship plant in Gujarat for their use in steel slag road building
- License from country’s premier scientific institute, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, reinforces firm’s leadership in innovation in line with circular economy and India’s net-zero goal
- Technology will reduce environmental degradation and natural resource strain when applied at scale, replacing natural road-building aggregates
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has taken a major step forward in sustainable infrastructure development by partnering with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI). The collaboration aims to revolutionize Indian road construction through the use of processed steel slag aggregates, offering an eco-friendly alternative to natural aggregates.
First Company in India to Secure License for Steel Slag Valorization Technology
AM/NS India is now the first company in India to receive an official license from CSIR-CRRI for the “Steel Slag Valorization Technology”, allowing it to process Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel slag for road construction at its Hazira plant in Gujarat. This milestone enables the company to implement CSIR-CRRI’s patented scientific processing methods to produce high-performance, environmentally sustainable road materials.
‘AM/NS Aakar’ – A Game-Changer in Road Construction Materials
AM/NS India manufactures processed steel slag under the brand ‘AM/NS Aakar’, which complies with the stringent quality standards and technical guidelines set by CSIR-CRRI. These aggregates have demonstrated superior durability and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional natural aggregates, significantly reducing the cost and frequency of road maintenance.
With an annual steel slag generation of approximately 1.7 million tonnes, AM/NS India is well-positioned to contribute to India’s vision of a circular economy, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative.
Steel Slag Roads: Cost-Effective, Durable, and Environmentally Sound
According to Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CRRI and the innovator behind the technology, India produces over 19 million tonnes of steel slag annually. Using untreated steel slag can compromise road durability and pose environmental risks. The scientific processing of steel slag mitigates these issues, making roads constructed with these materials:
- 30%–40% more cost-effective
- Up to three times longer lasting
- Highly resilient in diverse terrains, including coastal and rugged areas
Milestone Projects and Recognitions
AM/NS India previously collaborated with CSIR-CRRI to build India’s first “all steel slag road” in Hazira. Spanning one kilometre with six lanes, the road has been recognized by both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records for its pioneering approach.
The company also contributed to the construction of:
- World’s first coastal steel slag road at a private port in Hazira
- NH-53 Diamond Bourse road in Surat, constructed using ‘AM/NS Aakar’ aggregates
A Vision for the Future: Scaling Steel Slag Road Technology Nationwide
With steel production in India projected to reach 300 million tonnes by FY 2030-31, the country’s annual steel slag output is expected to rise to 60 million tonnes. In response, the Ministry of Steel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, is actively promoting the large-scale use of steel slag road technology.
This initiative is a crucial part of India’s circular economy strategy, which aims to unlock a $2 trillion market and generate up to 10 million jobs by 2050.
Conclusion
Through its innovative use of steel slag aggregates and commitment to green construction practices, AM/NS India is not only redefining sustainable road construction in India but also setting new industry benchmarks. With official backing and proven success stories, steel slag road technology is poised to play a transformative role in shaping India’s infrastructure future.
