CSN Steel Slag Gains Agricultural Approval
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture (Mapa) officially registered CSN steel slag as a raw material for acidity-correcting fertilizers. This approval allows nationwide use in agriculture, supporting soil pH management. The registration followed a technical review of CSN slag’s chemistry, safety, and neutralizing properties. As a result, the steel co-product can now enter a new market beyond traditional industrial applications.
Recent field trials in the United States provided geochemical evidence that slag improves soil alkalinity and calcium saturation. Researchers observed enhanced rock weathering (ERW) under real field conditions, confirming slag’s efficacy in correcting acidic soils. This data strengthened Mapa’s decision to authorize its use, marking a milestone for co-product utilization in sustainable agriculture.
Expanding Market Opportunities for CSN
The designation classifies CSN slag as a fertilizer raw material, enabling its incorporation into agricultural inputs. Consequently, CSN can diversify business operations while contributing to improved soil management practices. However, the regulatory approval comes amid scrutiny of historical slag management practices. In October, federal prosecutors filed an environmental complaint regarding legacy deposits in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
CSN’s steel slag approval signals a growing trend of industrial co-products entering agricultural markets. Enhanced rock weathering applications could provide both environmental and commercial benefits, linking steel production with sustainable farming. Investors and industry stakeholders should monitor ERW adoption and regulatory developments, as these trends may redefine the market for steel byproducts globally.
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