Judges in Haarlem will today hear a case focusing on the massive Tata steelworks in IJmuiden and the fines it has to pay for releasing toxic substances into the air when producing coke for steelmaking.

The case centres on the plant’s coke oven 2, which is used to heat coal to 1,000 degrees in order to remove impurities and produce the coke needed to make iron and steel. Campaigners say the oven is responsible for producing toxic substances, some of which still end up in the air and blow out over the surrounding area.

The company has been fined over €1.3 million so far following leaks from the plant since it was ordered to clean up in 2020. There have, according to Nu.nl, been some 40 leaks of noxious substances during the coke-making process since then.

The fines have now reached €100,000 per incident but Tata Steel argues it has made improvements and the coke oven’s papers are in order.

The permits state that Tata Steel must avoid producing any “raw coke” in line with EU agreements. Raw coke is an accidental byproduct of the regular coke-making process and when cooled, produces the noxious chemicals.

The regulator says this means all incidences should be prevented, but Tata interprets the rules to mean the company should do all it can, but that the odd incident will occur. There were four in 2023 and one in the first six months of this year.

If there are eight more instances at the plant, Tata could be forced to close the oven down completely.

The company is currently in talks with the Dutch government about financial support for its shift to producing green steel, using gas or hydrogen as fuel. But, Nu.nl points out, these talks and the company’s own investment plans, could be hit if the company is forced to close the coke oven.

The company is currently embroiled in three court cases calling for its closure because of the health impact of the pollution it processes on locals.