Meet Carrie Bone, our new Senior Industry and Policy Analyst

We're excited to welcome Carrie to ResponsibleSteel in a new Senior Industry and Policy Analyst role. We've asked Carrie a few questions about her previous work in journalism, how she got involved in the metals and mining sector and what she's looking forward to with ResponsibleSteel.

1.?You’ve spent 5 years as a metals and mining journalist, what drew you to the sector?

Before I moved into the metals sector specifically, I started out covering the recycled material markets, which gave me my first introduction to sustainability, and the value that these materials have, as well as how they help create the society we live in, which relies on supportive government policy to encourage uptake and usage.

As I progressed further into the metals space, my knowledge of how these materials were traded grew, along with my understanding of global supply chains and how interconnected everything was.

When I first started to notice the emerging decarbonisation trend in the steel sector, I realised there was a fundamental shift in the way the sector thinks and operates coming for the industry. It’s been very interesting to see how the conversation has since evolved and how the emerging trailblazers have been challenging the status quo.

2.?What attracted you to ResponsibleSteel?

Sustainability has been of growing importance to the markets in recent years, and it became apparent in the early decarbonisation landscape that there was no clear pathway or agreed standard for steelmakers to follow, or even much collaboration in the sector, and this was likely to slow down progress, and waste vital time and resources. With the industry shift gaining pace and starting to evolve, I was keen to be a part of the important work ResponsibleSteel are doing now, rather than further down the line.

Steel is a vital part of our society, but we mustn’t allow its importance to be detrimental to the environment, and this is where the ResponsibleSteel Standard plays an important role.

3.?Tell us a little bit about your new role, what are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to advancing the work focusing on the automotive sector, which has been a driver of rising supplier standards and demand for lower carbon emission materials in recent years.

The automotive sector is a key consumer of steel, and as the focus on scope 3 emissions and other ESG standards continues to grow, so does the focus on sourcing requirements, which will continue to tighten further. ResponsibleSteel is well-placed to support the sector with its robust framework and standards.

4.?What do you think the top three priorities should be for the steel industry right now?

It’s been a tough couple of years for the steel industry having made it through the worst of the pandemic, into an energy crisis in many global locations, and more recently having to operate in an expensive, high-inflation environment, so understandably near-term survival is most likely the priority for many, but survival also needs to be viewed in a longer-term context.

For many this requires adapting current processes or creating new ones to align with frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, which needs to be a priority, as well as exploring innovative and emerging technologies, this requires collaboration across the sector between technology and energy providers, steelmakers themselves and their customers.?

Another priority for many will likely be securing offtake agreements for planned tonnages of lower-emission steel. There are some interesting new collaborations in the industry, with innovative investment models emerging to finance the steel mills of tomorrow, many of which will utilise hydrogen.

5.?As a former journalist, how do you stay ahead of the latest developments relevant to the industry?

I think Linkedin is a great resource for finding relevant developments and industry news, often straight from the source. As a former journalist, I’m grateful for the network I’ve been able to grow on Linkedin, which is made up of companies, contacts and industry organisations, all of which continue to provide interesting insights and updates on the industry.

Additionally, I think there are some really great industry publications out there, that are able to take news or policy announcements and break them down to explain why they are important or relevant to those who need to know, without the unnecessary background noise or agenda.

6. What do you think is next for ResponsibleSteel in 2024?

I think 2024 is going to be an important year for ResponsibleSteel as it continues to build upon the solid track record it has already created, and gain recognition as the framework the industry needs.

There is a great opportunity for ResponsibleSteel to support steelmakers looking not only for guidance but also for industry recognition for meeting the ResponsibleSteel Standard which is credible and robust, with a growing number of members joining and sites gaining certification.

Collaboration really is key to progress further and a growing number of economies are seeking to work together to establish supportive policies and frameworks, and ResponsibleSteel sets the scene for all of this to take place.