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The Dutch arm of Tata Steel is facing a potential legal battle after a Dutch non-governmental organization filed a class action seeking around $1.6 billion in compensation for alleged environmental and health impacts linked to its operations in IJmuiden.
In a regulatory filing dated December 25, Tata Steel said Stichting Frisse Wind had filed a summons with the North Holland District Court in Haarlem against Tata Steel Nederland BV and Tata Steel IJmuiden BV. The NGO filed a summons on December 19, 2025, under the Dutch Mass Claims Collective Resolution Act (WAMCA).
According to the company, the plaintiff claims to act on behalf of residents living near Tata Steel’s Velsen-Noord facilities and has alleged damage caused by emissions of hazardous or noxious substances. The complaint seeks compensation for what it describes as increased susceptibility to health problems and loss of enjoyment of one’s home in the area. It also argues that average house prices in the region have lagged behind comparable regions, attributing the difference to Tata Steel’s operations.
Tata Steel strongly disputed the allegations, saying they were speculative and not supported by evidence. The company noted that no evidence from the Stichting Frisse Wind had been received so far and argued that the claims lacked factual basis.
The steelmaker also highlighted that this lawsuit follows an earlier step in the process, after the NGO held Tata Steel responsible in August 2023 for alleged emissions damage. The current filing represents the next step under Dutch collective action law.
Tata Steel stated that it was fully prepared to defend its case and believed that the applicant faced significant obstacles, both on admissibility and merits. Under WAMCA, proceedings proceed in two stages – admissibility and merits – each of which can last two to three years. As a result, any discussion of compensation is unlikely in the short term.
Highlighting its broader strategy, Tata Steel said it continues to invest in improving environmental performance and community health around IJmuiden. The company cited progress made under its Roadmap+ program and ongoing work under the Green Steel Plan agreed with the Dutch government, aimed at reducing emissions, particulate matter, noise and other environmental impacts.
