The metallurgical sector, a key component of European industries, plays a crucial role both in advanced economies and in the infrastructure development of emerging nations. As environmental concerns increasingly influence global trade policies, the introduction of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) becomes a pivotal factor, especially those affecting the steel industry. This study focuses on assessing the impact of CBAM implementation on the steel industry’s evolution until 2034, utilizing a combination of econometric models and scenario analysis.

The iron and steel industry is one of the most energy- and emission-intensive industrial sectors, accounting for approximately 95% of global metal production and 7–9% of global CO₂ emissions. Its decarbonization is therefore central to climate change mitigation and has potential co-benefits for environmental quality and human health through reductions in air pollutants associated with conventional coal-based steelmaking. This review addresses the following question: which technological and systemic pathways can reduce emissions from iron and steel production, and what constraints limit their deployment across regions? The article synthesizes current knowledge on the dominant blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace and electric arc furnace routes, their emission intensities, and their role in global steel production. It then evaluates two complementary groups of decarbonization pathways: optimization of existing carbon-intensive processes and the transition to low- and near-zero-carbon technologies, including hydrogen-based direct reduction, electrification, carbon capture, utilization and storage. Particular attention is given to the dependence of these pathways on low-carbon electricity, hydrogen availability, scrap supply, infrastructure, policy frameworks, and regional economic conditions. The review highlights that technological readiness alone is insufficient to ensure deep decarbonization; implementation depends on the alignment of energy systems, industrial investment cycles, and climate policy. From a public health perspective, steel decarbonization should be understood as a climate mitigation measure with potential health co-benefits, particularly where it reduces both greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.

This study presents the development of a novel material for a spherical impact pad for tundishes during steel production, focusing on improving steel cleanliness and flow optimization. Traditional low-carbon and ultra-low carbon concrete (LCC/ULCC) materials are replaced with a new cement-free mixture, utilizing a sol–gel method binder. This innovative approach leads to the creation of IPC TECAST BPV CST, a refractory concrete with enhanced resistance to corrosion and shape stability under extreme conditions. The material’s effectiveness is demonstrated through operational tests, showing remarkable durability and no erosion defects after extensive use in casting liquid metal. The sol–gel binder significantly reduces the carbon footprint and energy consumption during the drying process, compared to traditional concretes. This study concludes that the new material not only withstands the dynamic environment of liquid steel but also ensures consistent dynamic flow conditions throughout the steel casting process, marking a significant advancement in tundish impact pad technology.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an important analytical method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of products, services, or processes throughout their entire life cycles—from the extraction of raw materials and production to use and end-of-life treatment. LCA enables the identification of stages with the highest environmental impact burden (hotspots) and supports strategic environmental initiatives, the circular economy, standards, and policies aimed at improving sustainability. This paper analyses the application of LCA in metallurgy, with a focus on primary aluminium production. It outlines the principles of life cycle thinking and explores decarbonisation opportunities within the aluminium industry. This study includes a life cycle impact assessment case study comparing the most significant environmental impacts of primary aluminium production in different regions of the world, including Europe and Asia. The analysis was performed using openLCA software 2.5 with the OzLCI2019 database. Environmental impacts were calculated using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) method. The results indicate that primary aluminium production mainly affects impact categories related to high energy consumption, the use of carbon anodes, and associated emissions. The highest impacts were identified in ecotoxicity, followed by global warming, land use, ozone formation, and fossil resource scarcity. No significant regional differences were observed.

Physical models that are somewhat representative of the actual components are used to study transient areas