According to Optimus Steel, work on the furnace and roughing and intermediate mill is well underway, with commissioning set to occur in late 2024. 

The projects follow recent meltshop investments that brought about a more powerful transformer from Tamini Group as well as electric arc furnace (EAF) improvements such as a spray-cooled roof, and a complete caster revamp. 

The meltshop projects have been completed, but a second phase of work will include an exhaust system upgrade and other EAF improvements, including a baghouse expansion.  

All told, Optimus Steel will end up with two complete rolling mills, both of which will be able to be fed by either of the reheat furnaces. Each will have a capacity of 800,000 tons, for a total rolling capacity of 1.6 million tons.

“This will make Optimus Steel a reference for the rolling of long products, with each mill being highly flexible and efficient. It will also allow the company to produce a wider range of high-quality products in a safer manner,” the company said.