Environmental Management and Environmental Risk Management
Qatar Steel places significant value on the preservation of our planet’s natural environment and is committed to managing its environmental impacts responsibly. We recognise that companies that do not effectively address environmental risks may face challenges to their social license to operate and their financial performance. In line with the QNV, our long-term sustainability objective is to enhance overall business efficiency through continuous innovation while operating within the limits of the ecosystem and available resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
At Qatar Steel, we have implemented an efficient Environment Management System (EMS) that complies with the ISO 14001:2015 standard and meets the Environment Protection Regulations established by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) in Qatar. We strive for continual improvement of our systems and processes, conducting internal and external audits.
Our environmental performance is measured, analysed, and communicated to stakeholders. We have developed a comprehensive monitoring plan to comply with the Consent to Operate (CTO) permit issued by the MoECC and we share quarterly environmental reports with relevant departments within the organisation, QatarEnergy, and the MoECC.
The monitoring and reporting cover topics such as air emissions, noise levels, ambient air quality, hazardous waste management, groundwater quality, by-products management, and the use of recycled materials within our operational area. All reports and records are carefully reviewed and monitored to ensure compliance. Should any deviations from the CTO conditions be identified, strict mitigation measures and recommended controls are implemented.
In 2022, we successfully secured CTO permits for the graphite electro coating workshop and fuel station These permits are valid until 2025.
Finally, we are proud to state that we incurred no fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws or regulations over the past three years.
ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT
At Qatar Steel, environmental risk assessment is an integral part of our comprehensive environmental management
approach. We undertake a diligent analysis of both our direct and indirect environmental impacts, examining our interactions with the environment and those of our business partners. Through this process, we identify potential environmental risks, and we maintain a dedicated risk register that classifies them based on severity and magnitude.
Once identified, each environmental risk undergoes a meticulous analysis to determine suitable mitigation actions. Our aim is to reduce the likelihood of the risk occurring or minimise its impact if it does manifest. Our primary emphasis is on tackling critical environmental and climate changerelated risks. These efforts encompass preventing potential spills, ensuring proper management of hazardous waste, complying with CTO conditions, mitigating risks associated with GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions, and effectively managing byproducts to minimize associated risks.
Proactively addressing these risks is vital to prevent adverse environmental impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of our operations. Our mitigation actions, for example, prioritise preventive measures such as conducting regular inspections and maintenance activities, and providing comprehensive training to our employees
and relevant stakeholders. We also invest in state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure that adhere to stringent environmental standards.
By identifying and mitigating potential environmental risks, we strive to minimise our environmental impact and safeguard the ecosystems in which we operate.
Qatar Steel’s Impact: Environmental Risk Management: Dust Control Strategy
Dust is a micron size fines suspended particles of dry matter and it can be generated from all site activities, transport, process etc., or it can merely result from the action of wind, whipping up soil or sand and depositing the dust elsewhere. An example of an environmental risk addressed by Qatar Steel is dust pollution. In compliance with the requirements set by QatarEnergy and MIC (Mesaieed Industrial City), we have implemented a Dust Control strategy as a standard operating procedure for all stakeholders. This strategy aims to suppress dust emissions and ensure adherence to environmental regulations.
The Dust Control strategy involves several initiatives to mitigate dust pollution and safeguard both the environment and people’s health. These initiatives include introducing industrial-grade pendent-operated water sprinkle tankers, also known as -water cannons, to suppress dust at loading points, open yards, and unpaved roads, and implementing interlocking and fixing curb stones along unpaved pathways to prevent dust dispersion.