India, May 11 -- A total of 319 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of coal-based blast furnace capacity worldwide has either been announced or is under construction, marking a 5 per cent increase over the previous year, according to a new analysis by Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

The expansion comes despite mounting pressure on the steel industry to reduce emissions and transition toward cleaner production pathways.

GEM found that planned new blast furnace investments, along with another 80 mtpa of capacity slated for relining to extend plant operations, far exceed the 141 mtpa of operating blast furnace capacity currently scheduled for retirement. As a result, global blast furnace capacity is projected to grow by a net 88 mtpa by 2035.

Co...