Biodiversity

In alignment with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2025, Qatar Steel is fully committed to the preservation of Qatar’s natural environment. Stringent measures, including the involvement of consultants and extensive studies, ensure that our operations are conducted in areas with low biodiversity value, minimising any potential harmful impact on the region’s biodiversity.

Our facility operates in an area primarily intended for industrial usage, with no natural habitats, reserves, or sanctuaries in close proximity, except for the nearby sea. There are two ports, namely the MIC Mesaieed Industrial City Port and Qatar Steel’s Port close to our boundaries and the activities of both are conducting in alignment with Qatar’s environmental laws and preventing any detrimental activities.

Environmental Impact Assessment studies conducted prior to new projects have consistently indicated that the area surrounding our plant has low environmental significance and thus a low potential for environmental impacts. To further ensure ecological safety, ecotoxicity studies are conducted whenever new materials are procured.

A comprehensive Biodiversity Impact Assessment conducted in 2021 confirmed that our operations do not occur in areas of high biodiversity value and do not pose a harmful impact on the regional biodiversity. As a proactive measure to enhance biodiversity within our premises, we undertook a tree plantation initiative in 2021, planting around 139 native tree species that can thrive in Qatar’s local climate. In 2022, to support our commitment to biodiversity improvement, we hired a third-party contractor to continue the plantation activity to plant around 1500 trees which is resumed in 2023.

Furthermore, a study commissioned in 2021 assessed the ecotoxicity of substances used in our plants, identifying Sodium Tetraborate and Titanium Oxide as the only substances of concern. Periodic analysis of seawater and groundwater confirm that these substances remain below detection limits, and regular inspections and audits ensure proper disposal of empty chemical containers.

Qatar Steel’s Impact: Safeguarding Qatar’s biodiversity

On October 25, 2022, a representative from our HSE Department actively participated in a workshop organised by the MoECC. The workshop was conducted by the Department of Wildlife Development, an entity under the Protection and Natural Reserves Sector, in collaboration with the
West Asia Office of the United Nations Environment Program. The primary focus of the workshop was the development of a biodiversity database for the State of Qatar.

The event brought together numerous partners and biodiversity specialists from various regions of the country. The participants engaged in productive discussions to determine the most effective methods for completing the project and ultimately launching the biodiversity
database in Qatar. Additionally, the workshop featured several presentations and lectures that provided insights into the current status and achievements of the biodiversity database in the country. Recognising the significance of the biodiversity database, which serves as
a vital component of national strategies and plans, the workshop highlighted its importance for multiple partners and stakeholders. Through active involvement in this workshop, Qatar Steel demonstrated its commitment to promoting and contributing to the conservation obiodiversity in the State of Qatar.