Key facts
- Dutch prosecutors have launched a criminal case against Tata Steel's Dutch division.
- The case alleges intentional environmental pollution at the IJmuiden plant.
- Prosecutors cited inadequate maintenance of the coke oven and operation without proper licenses.
- Tata Steel disputes the accusations, stating it has made significant improvements.
- The IJmuiden plant is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases and linked to health issues.
- A court hearing is scheduled for November 20.
Dutch prosecutors announced on Wednesday the launch of a criminal case against the Dutch arm of Tata Steel, alleging intentional environmental pollution at its large plant in IJmuiden. The investigation indicated that the company was not adequately preventing hazardous pollution, citing insufficient maintenance of its heavily polluting coke oven and operation without appropriate licenses.
Tata Steel's Dutch division stated it disagrees with the accusations, asserting that significant improvements have been made in recent years to limit pollution and that the case is unnecessary for a limited number of incidents. It remains unclear whether Tata's Dutch executives will face personal prosecution.
The IJmuiden plant is identified as one of the Netherlands' largest greenhouse gas emitters, with research commissioned by the government linking it to various health problems in the region. Last year, Dutch regulators had threatened to shut down the coke oven due to its continued operation in breach of environmental regulations. The district court in Amsterdam is set to hold the first hearing on November 20.