Kardemir's 2024 Sustainability Report Published

Kardemir management reiterated its goal of reducing imports through high value-added production, contributing to the retention of national capital in the country, and enhancing international competitiveness. Chairman of the Board Muhammed Ali Oflaz and General Manager Dr. Dursunali Yaşacan emphasized that sustainability is at the center of their business approach and that the principles of transparency and accountability are strengthened in compliance with Turkey's Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS).

Integrated Production and Positioning

Kardemir, one of Turkey's first integrated iron and steel plants, manages the process from ore to finished product under one roof. Thanks to its blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace infrastructure, it occupies a distinct position in process control and product diversity.

Water Management: Reuse Over 96%

In 2024, 19,940,811 m³ of water was drawn; with closed-loop systems, 601,068,693 m³ of water was recycled, raising the reuse rate above 96%. 10,049,231 m³ of wastewater was treated and discharged into the receiving environment. Parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, COD, and BOD are transmitted in real-time to the Ministry's monitoring center.

Waste Management: Recovery and Regular Storage

Throughout the year, 137,645 tons of hazardous and 7,478 tons of non-hazardous waste were managed. All non-hazardous waste was sent for recovery; 7,216 tons of hazardous waste were recovered, and 130,429 tons were directed to regular storage. Classification and notification processes under the Zero Waste Certificate were maintained throughout the year.

Emissions and Energy Performance

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions were reported as 5,900,064 tons CO₂e, and Scope 2 emissions as 240,858 tons CO₂e. Scope 1 is monitored through fuel combustion, process, and mass balance methods, while national emission factors were used for Scope 2 calculations. Total energy consumption was 57,759,140 GJ, with in-organization consumption at 55,805,937 GJ; electricity consumption was recorded at 1,953,203 GJ. 69 projects aimed at energy efficiency are planned for implementation in 2025.

Environmental Investments and Expenditures

Phase 3 Environmental Investments, including dust suppression and collection, flue gas treatment, biological wastewater treatment, and modernization of regular storage areas, reached approximately 50 million dollars during the 2019–2024 period. In 2024, environmental expenditures amounted to 330.7 million TL.

Occupational Health and Safety

In line with the "Accident-Free Steel" goal, the number of work accidents decreased to 45 in 2024; the accident frequency per 200,000 hours fell from 7.06 to 4.80. Severe injury cases were recorded as 4 at Kardemir and 25 at Kardökmak. No work-related deaths or occupational disease-related losses occurred across the group. Throughout the year, 14 drills were conducted with various scenarios.

Training and Human Resources

Total training duration reached 135,573 hours; an average of 32.27 hours of training was provided per person. Occupational health and safety training accounted for 72,907 hours, ranking first. 78% of employees were covered under the collective labor agreement; by the end of the year, the voluntary turnover rate was 3%. The scope of young talent and internship programs was expanded.

Governance and Transition to TSRS

This report serves as the first-year document compliant with TSRS. While transition exemptions were applied, climate-related risks and opportunities were reported qualitatively; emission data underwent third-party verification. The Sustainability and Climate Committee, planned to be operational in the second quarter of 2025, will be responsible for policy-making, target monitoring, risk analysis, and performance tracking.

Supply and Localization

Kardemir consumed all of the coking coal produced by the Turkish Hard Coal Authority, purchasing approximately 195,000 tons in 2024. 2.681 million tons of iron ore were sourced from various provinces in Anatolia. It aims to enhance its impact on local development and employment due to its position in rail and wheel production.

Scope and Period

The report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Performance indicators and methodological notes in the environmental, social, and governance areas are detailed in tables; social data of subsidiaries and affiliates are presented consolidated.

Source: Demir Çelik Store