Steel Secretary Nagendra Nath Sinha, during a national workshop held in Vigyan Bhawan, said that the industry must act like "trustees of the earth" and commit to reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. He also highlighted India?s steel sector emissions being 25% higher per tonne than the global average. This is because of a lack of natural gas and poor quality iron ore that requires additional processing. He emphasised that the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change were working together to improve low-grade iron ore's suitability for steelmaking through beneficiation. The secretary stated at the workshop that while the ministry will continue to offer guidance and encouragement, it is crucial for the steel industry itself to assume responsibility as custodians of the earth. They stressed the need for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. The secretary emphasised that the industry holds significant control over emissions, particularly as 90% originate from within the factory gates (Scope 1). Leena Nanda, Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, highlighted India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2030 at the workshop. These NDCs aim for a 45% reduction in the emission intensity of the economy and a target of sourcing 50% of energy from non-fossil fuels. Nandan added that India?s commitment is evident in its ambitious national goals, and the steel industry's efforts must align with these for substantial progress.