Biodiversity and Ecotoxicity

As recommended in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2025, Qatar Steel is committed to preserving Qatar’s natural environment. Consultants and studies have ensured that Qatar Steel’s operations are not conducted in areas of high biodiversity value and do not have a harmful impact on the biodiversity in its region. To address one aspect of enhancing site biodiversity, a total of 84 trees were planted in 2019. The water used to irrigate the trees consists of 21% recycled processed water and the goal is to increase the percentage of recycled water used in irrigation.

Qatar Steel is located in Mesaieed Industrial City-MIC, a designated area for industrial usage. There are no natural habitats, reserves or sanctuaries in the nearby area to the industrial city. The sea is the only significant natural body near to the plant. There are two ports, the MIC Mesaieed Industrial City Port and Qatar Steel’s Port located near to the Qatar Steel boundary. Both of the ports are protected by the Qatar’s Environmental Laws of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and the Qatar’s Navigation to prevent any kind of harmful activities. Analysis from earlier Environmental Impact Assessment studies which were conducted prior to any new project, showed that the area is with low environmental significance and therefore the potential of environmental impacts is also low. Ecotoxicity studies are always conducted when new materials are procured.

As per the consent to operate and other regulatory requirements and guidelines applicable, Qatar Steel is monitoring the emissions, conducting the environmental studies, and submitting the reports to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and local authority at QP-MIC. There weren’t any raised reports regarding the negative impacts of Qatar Steel’s plant on society or biodiversity. Most of the company’s environmental emissions are within the consent to operate assigned limits of Qatar’s MME for analysis of gases, particulate matters, blown down water (processed water) discharge analysis, noises, and other environmental factors.