Biodiversity on our sites

Biodiversity is defined by the diversity of living beings and natural environments, as well as their respective relationships and interactions. At the current rate, scientists estimate that 50% of known species could disappear by 2100.

Our Commitments within the ArcelorMittal Group

Aware of the challenges of this century, the ArcelorMittal Group has committed, through the ResponsibleSteel™ certification, to ensuring that its production meets strict standards covering a wide range of social, environmental (including biodiversity), and governance criteria.

Our Commitments to Biodiversity

Since 2021, the ArcelorMittal Long Products Luxembourg sites in Belval, Differdange, and Rodange have been certified ResponsibleSteel™, demonstrating their commitment to aligning their production with rigorous standards, including those related to biodiversity.

This certification is based on the regular demonstration of our commitments, as outlined in our Sustainable Development Policy.

Discover the Sustainable Development Policy here.

The Belval, Differdange, and Rodange sites cover more than 298 hectares and are now located in urban areas. Similarly, the three representative environments of our green zones are:

Pioneer thickets and forests [1]
Open areas
Wetlands

The priority species and groups selected in our approach are:

The wild orchid group
The common wall lizard
The reed warbler and the European goldfinch
The dragonfly group and the Italian locust
The bat group

These species contribute greatly to biodiversity, especially through pollination.
Protection actions targeting these species can also benefit other species. They can therefore be considered as "umbrella species."
For these species, we commit to:

Enrich biodiversity by diversifying plant palettes
Reduce pressures on biodiversity by improving the management of our green spaces
Develop welcoming spaces for biodiversity

Analysis of Natural Heritage

The first step in our commitment is to study the natural heritage surrounding our facilities.
To do so, a biodiversity expert firm conducted a study to create an inventory of fauna and flora and to assess the richness of these environments. This study highlighted the biological diversity present on our sites, including rare or endangered species requiring special attention.

Knowing our natural heritage is essential for assessing our impact and identifying the necessary actions for its preservation and development.

Actions and Developments

A biodiversity conservation action plan for our sites, in harmony with our local environment, has been developed with the expert firm. This plan includes, for example:

Differentiated management of green spaces to reduce pressure on biodiversity
Development of biodiversity-friendly spaces, installation of birdhouses, embankments, and insect hotels
Cooperation with local stakeholders, including beekeepers and environmental conservation associations

Installation of Nesting Boxes for Songbirds

Songbirds play an important role in ecosystems due to their diverse diet:

Regulation of insect populations (caterpillars, aphids, mosquitoes)
Pollination
Seed dispersal
More than 45 nesting boxes for songbirds have been installed.

Installation of Nesting Boxes for Bats

Bats primarily feed on insects, fruits, and nectar. Insectivorous bats play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. Their situation is concerning, as several species are threatened by habitat loss, human disturbances, and diseases. Some bat populations are declining globally.
More than 30 nesting boxes for bats have been installed.

Installation of Nesting Boxes for Swifts

Swifts face a worrying decline in population due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. The destruction of old buildings, which served as nesting sites, and the use of insecticides that reduce their food sources contribute to their decline.
Their migratory journey between Europe and Africa is also disrupted by climate change. Protecting these birds requires preserving their nesting areas.
More than 10 nesting boxes for swifts have been installed.

Installation of Embankments for Bees and Lizards

Solitary bees and lizards face a concerning situation due to habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Solitary bees, less known than their social counterparts, play a crucial role in pollination. Their numbers are declining due to urbanization and excessive pesticide use. Meanwhile, lizards see their habitats shrinking, and some are threatened with extinction.
9 embankments have been installed.

Management of Our Green Spaces

Late mowing and staggered mowing are two practices implemented on our sites to preserve grassland biodiversity.

Late mowing consists of allowing grass to grow longer before cutting it, usually at the end of summer or early autumn. This method enables plants to bloom and produce seeds, providing food for pollinating insects and other species.

Staggered mowing involves delaying the cutting of certain areas for several weeks, often until certain animal species, such as birds or insects, have had time to reproduce and feed.