Steel production requires large quantities of water. At ArcelorMittal Belgium, we use water with the utmost care. Thanks to intensive recycling, we are one of the most water-efficient integrated steel companies in the world.
We use water for:
- The cooling of installations during the production process.
- The production process, such as extinguishing coke or removing the oxide scale from steel slabs.
- Environmental applications including gas purification and spray systems for dust control.
Our main water source is the Ghent-Terneuzen canal. On average, every cubic meter of water is reused 25 times. Thanks to a network of water purification plants, water and cooling towers, we can safely return the purified water to the canal, fully complying with current standards. We are strongly committed to sustainable water management not only in Ghent but also at our sites in Genk, Geel and Liège.
Water management is an integral part of our sustainability strategy. Through digital monitoring and continuous investments in innovative technologies, we can further reduce our consumption and guarantee the quality of the water returned.
Collaboration
Cooperation plays a key role in this. In addition to our internal recycling and purification facilities, we work with specialized partners such as Aquafin and Ekopak. Aquafin is building a state-of-the-art facility on our site that recovers energy from wastewater and uses it in a circular manner. Ekopak supports us with innovative water treatment solutions, ensuring that we continue to have stable, high-quality process water even in changing climate conditions. Thanks to these collaborations, we can further reduce our water consumption and contribute to a sustainable living environment in and around our sites.
