Steel is a Strategic Journey

When I think about the industries that truly shape a nation’s future, steel is always at the top of the list. Steelmaking is not just about producing a material, it is about enabling progress. Every bridge we cross, every hospital we build, every renewable energy project we deliver depends on it.  

Protecting our Steel Industry 

Supporting a strategic industry like ours means supporting Australia’s resilience, competitiveness, and ability to meet the challenges of tomorrow. And time is of essence today if we want our industry to have a tomorrow! We need to have a level playing field and due to all the actions taken by the USA with its tariffs, Europe with its Safeguard and CBAM mechanisms, and so many other industry-protecting decisions made by countries around the globe, this is clearly impacting our domestic steel industry at its core. China’s excess capacity is dramatically challenging all the steel industry, and many are taking measures, we need to quickly do so or our industry will be at risk. 

This is a topic I spoke to at the Australian Steel Institute’s annual convention in Sydney this month. I also spoke to our decarbonisation efforts and the role we can play in providing our SENSE 600® lower-embodied carbon reinforcing steel to Australia’s building and construction sector. We believe that our integrated circular steel making model can significantly reduce emissions, we have the technology and the know-how, it is just a matter of investing in the needed capacity to substitute fossil fuel-based solutions by sustainable and renewable solutions. 

Decarbonisation  

As InfraBuild CEO, one of my biggest priorities is our efforts in decarbonising our operations. We know the future of steel must be a lower greenhouse gas emitting industry. That’s why at InfraBuild we are investing in power purchasing agreements to source renewal energy for our electric arc furnaces, and investing in development with strategic partners new products such as biochar to substitute the use of coke, or bio gases to eliminate the use of natural gas that reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.  

This transformation is not optional. I view it as essential. By decarbonising steel, we are not only lowering our environmental footprint but also helping Australia position itself as a leader in the global transition to a greener economy.  

Creating High-Quality, Future-Ready Jobs  

Technology is reshaping steelmaking, and with that comes enormous opportunity for people. From digital systems and automation to advanced machine learning and AI, these changes are creating higher-skilled, higher-value jobs.  

I’m proud that our industry provides long-term careers for apprentices, graduates, engineers, and tradespeople. These are the kinds of jobs that give communities strength and provide young Australians with pathways into industries that will matter for decades to come. A country without strong industry does not manage its future. 

A Partner in Construction  

One of the biggest challenges our nation faces is construction. From building more homes to important infrastructure, steel plays a critical role here. For us at InfraBuild, we see ourselves as an important partner in construction and playing a part in improving productivity here. Whether that is through modern digital systems enabling 3D modelling and supply chain certainty, to providing new construction with our SENSE 600® reinforcing steel, playing a part in lowering Scope 3 emissions for our customers.  

By delivering stronger, lighter, and more sustainable products, we help builders, engineers, and developers deliver projects faster, safer, and with lower costs.  

Looking Ahead  

For me, this is about more than business. It’s about ensuring steel remains a foundation for Australia’s future. By supporting our industry, driving decarbonisation, creating high-quality jobs, and enabling productivity, we are investing in a stronger, more sustainable nation.  

Stay safe,

Francisco Irazusta
CEO, InfraBuild