The strategic cooperation is aimed at using steel slag, an industrial by-product, as a durable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional road construction materials, the statement said.
As part of the partnership, the steel slag produced at the JSW Steel plant in Salem will be scientifically processed and valorized for use in road construction.
The collaboration is carried out within the framework of a sponsored research project entitled "Development of a customized steel slag valorization process for the technical and economic conversion of EOF and LRF steel slag for various road applications at JSW Salem plants."
The project aims to convert slag from electrooptimization furnaces (EOF) and ladle recycling furnaces (LRF) into treated aggregates suitable for bitumen roads, the statement said.
As part of the project, CSIR-CRRI will conduct laboratory characterization of steel slag, develop customized treatment protocols, build a demonstration road section near Salem, and conduct long-term performance monitoring. This initiative is expected to reduce dependence on natural aggregates, minimize industrial waste, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
