Essar Steel Algoma to Start up No. 6 Blast Furnace
08/15/2008 - Essar Steel Algoma will initiate startup of its No. 6 Blast Furnace, following receipt of the Certificate of Approval from the Ministry of the Environment.
Essar Steel Algoma announced plans to initiate startup of its No. 6 Blast Furnace. The announcement follows the company’s receipt of the Certificate of Approval from the Ministry of the Environment.
Startup is expected to last approximately two to three days, beginning with ‘wind on’ and culminating in a series of preliminary casts until the necessary iron quality is achieved. The company noted that the startup procedure would likely result in visible emissions from the top of the stack and low-level noise for a short period of time as the furnace is blown in.
The company said the restart of No. 6 Blast Furnace is a vital component of its plans to expand annual production capacity to 4 million saleable tons.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment and the community, Essar Steel is planning to invest nearly $90 million in air emission controls over an 18-month period, ensuring an overall net reduction in air emissions.
The company is planning to host a Community Open House in the near future to publicly share the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Approval. During the open house, the company will also outline its progress to date on air quality initiatives currently underway at Essar Steel Algoma.
Essar Steel Algoma Inc., a member of the Essar Group, is based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. As a fully integrated steel producer, Algoma’s revenues are derived primarily from the manufacture and sale of rolled steel products, including hot- and cold-rolled sheet and plate.
