Eminent speakers from around the world gathered at the Global Steel Innovations Forum that kicked off in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 25 September, 2018.

The Iron and Steel industry majors from 31 countries from the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia & Americas were co-hosted by SteelMint India and Media Fusion for the first edition of this high-profile event, held at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Etsuro Hirai, Global CTO & President, Primetals Technologies, Japan, highlighted the significance of innovations, sustainable steel production and the current mega trends that are shaping the industry. In his speech titled “The Inevitability of Innovations – Sustainable Steel Production and Current Megatrends Shaping the Industry”, Dr. Hirai also explained how Primetals was embracing all these changes by adopting suitable technologies and innovative solutions in the Iron & Steel industry also considering the environmental aspects, with focus on green production, modernization and digitalization.

The conference was spread over 3 days and 17 sessions on a wide variety of subjects. It was attended by 600 Participants from across the globe. There were 61 Speakers showcasing their technological innovations, ideas and product knowledge. In about 57 Exhibitors demonstrated their Innovative technologies and products to the audience. The conference was sponsored across 5 categories.

The Speakers and Industry experts presented on a wide array of topics pertaining to the disruptive and cutting-edge technological innovations in the steel and associated sector which can bring in a big change in the Operational efficiency, Cost-effectiveness and take the whole process of steel making to the next level. The topics were discussed in the lights of following subject categories:The Speakers and Industry experts presented on a wide array of topics pertaining to the disruptive and cutting-edge technological innovations in the steel and associated sector which can bring in a big change in the Operational efficiency, Cost-effectiveness and take the whole process of steel making to the next level. The topics were discussed in the lights of following subject categories:

The Speakers and Industry experts presented on a wide array of topics pertaining to the disruptive and cutting-edge technological innovations in the steel and associated sector which can bring in a big change in the Operational efficiency, Cost-effectiveness and take the whole process of steel making to the next level. The topics were discussed in the lights of following subject categories:Automation & Industry 4.0; Raw Materials; Alternative Routes of Iron making (Direct Smelting Reduction); Reducing Coke Dependence; DRI; Energy Efficiency; Steelmaking (Through EAF & Mini-Mills), Steelmaking Through Induction Furnace, BF & BOF; Rolling Technologies for Flat & Long Products; Slag Processing and Waste Management; Reducing and Reusing Carbon Emissions; Product Launch; Dust/Slime/Sludge/Mill Scale Processing; New Products; Focus Iran.

Eminent Steel Technology majors viz. Primetals, Danieli, Tata Steel, Tenova, Posco, JSW Steel, and 300 other eminent firms from across the globe were a part of the First chapter of SteelVia technology Conference.

Key takeaways from the conference:

· Iron and Steelmakers all over the world are looking for alternative routes of Iron making decreasing reliance on traditional ones

· Alarmed by the environmental concerns there is an overall consent on curbing emissions to the minimum

· Automation & Digitalization is the need of the hour which if taken casually would render the companies lose their competitive edge

· There was a common interest of making optimum utilization of waste with minimum or zero emissions