Steelmakers and scrap metal businesses are calling for a ban on the export of unprocessed scrap amid domestic supply shortages.
Steel companies currently import scrap due to domestic shortages, despite more than 2.5 million tonnes of scrap being shipped overseas each year. Mr Parker believes the export ban, alongside more diligent enforcement of the law, would curb the illegal scrap trade."The Environmental Protection Agency, SafeWork, those agencies would have a better say on how scrap is handled. That would lead to better environmental outcomes and better safety outcomes."Copper is among the most expensive scrap metals on the market and is one of the most common stolen metals.
Modelling from Australian Economic Advocacy Solutions found that banning unprocessed steel scrap could reduce carbon emissions by 1.2 million tonnes a year.Domestic demand for scrap in the steelmaking process is expected to grow to 2.5 million tonnes within the next decade, according to the Australian Steel Institute."Countries around the world are actually restricting or banning the export of scrap because it is a rare commodity.