John Cockerill and Maharashtra sign MoU to explore Gadchiroli as green steel hub

Agreement

On 2 September 2026 the Government of Maharashtra and John Cockerill India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for the development and adoption of advanced technologies for green iron and green steel production in Maharashtra. The signed MoU was formally exchanged on 4 September 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai during the two‑day visit of the Prime Minister of Belgium.

Scope and objectives

The collaboration combines John Cockerill’s global expertise in advanced ironmaking and low‑carbon technologies with Maharashtra’s mineral resources and industrial capabilities. Its objective is to evaluate technology pathways aligned with the state’s green industrial development goals and to explore developing Gadchiroli as a Green Steel Manufacturing Hub through technology development, knowledge sharing and skill building with local institutions and stakeholders.

Participants and significance

The MoU was signed by Dr. P. Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries; Dr. Rajesh Gawande, Secretary, Department of Protocol, FDI & Diaspora Outreach; and Mr. Frederic Martin, Managing Director, John Cockerill India Limited. The exchange involved Group CEO Jean‑Luc Maurange and was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The partnership is intended to support Maharashtra’s industrial decarbonisation by assessing low‑carbon ironmaking solutions and aligning technology pathways with regional requirements.