Sponge iron industry is set to drive future steel production of India. But poorly regulated factories are highly polluting. Protests are frequent, often turning violent. Down To Earth reports on the status of the sponge iron industry and its challenges.

See Also: Feature: Slack approach http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/4946 Opinion- Stink of India's steel frame – jul 2008 http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/4792 Feature: Sponge iron industries are killing ... http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/38603 Feature: The iron ore rush http://www.downtoearth.org.in/11914 Analysis : EIA of Sponge Iron Plant, Raigarh http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/282843 Public hearing : Expansion of sponge iron plant, Keonjhar http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/294303 Policy: National mineral policy, 2008 http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/249594 Act: Mines and Minerals Act, 2010 http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/the-mines-and-minerals-... Factsheet - More steel means more livelihood loss, pollution http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/6435