Steel Mills

Essar Steel Algoma Planning Capital Investments
Written by Sandy Williams
January 12, 2015
Now that Essar Steel Algoma has its liquidity problems under control, the company is embarking on a CDN $350-$400 million investment plan in its steel mill located in Canada that will span the next 5 to 7 years.
The plan includes optimizing operating capability, enhancing product quality, modernizing production lines and expanding the company’s product mix to serve new and evolving markets, says Brenda Stenta, Manager of Corporate Communications for Essar Steel Algoma. The company will also invest in energy efficiency and environmental initiatives.
First on deck is repair of nine coke oven through walls on the No. 8 Coke Battery, scheduled to begin this spring. It will take approximately 12-18 months to complete the refractory repairs with a break during the winter months when temperatures are not suitable for refractory installation.
The second impending project, is the replacement of four of the hot blast stoves that service the No. 7 blast furnace. One will be replaced over each of the next four years since three are required to keep the furnace operational. The state-of-the art replacements, said Stenta, are more energy efficient, allowing higher blast temperature and working pressure. The result will be a fuel savings of $16.7 million per year after three of the four stoves are replaced.
The two projects described have a combined investment cost of CDN $123.5 million and are part of the overall investment plan for the company. “This modernization of our facility will mitigate risk and ensure our long-term operating reliability,” said Stenta.
Steel Market Update asked if there has been a decision to restart the No. 6 blast furnace.
“We are currently assessing the potential for startup of No. 6 blast furnace in 2015 subject to market conditions,” replied Stenta. “No decision at this time.”

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills

CRU: Trump hails a partnership of Nippon with USS
In a social media post, President Donald Trump said a planned partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel will add $14 billion to the US economy and ensure USS remains headquartered in Pittsburgh.

Trump approves $14B Nippon Steel-USS ‘partnership’
President Donald Trump on Friday gave his blessing to a $14-billion "partnership" between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel.

Cliffs opens June spot order book at $910/ton HR
Cleveland-Cliffs opened its June order book for spot material at $910 per short ton (st).

Op-Ed: Ternium CEO Máximo Vedoya wants a fair future forged in steel
After recently receiving an industry honor on behalf of Ternium, I had the opportunity to reflect and share my vision on the state and future of our industry.

Nippon eyeing new $4B U.S. Steel mill to sweeten deal: Report
Nippon Steel could build a new domestic U.S. Steel mill with a total investment of $4 billion.