According to the equipment manufacturer, the 180-metric-ton converter will be equipped with a Danieli-patented suspension system based on a vertical Lamella arrangement, an air-cooling system for the vessel barrel, and water–based cooling for the vessel’s top cone.

The new converter will replace the No. 5 unit at the No. 2 BOF shop.  The first heat is scheduled to take place in 2023.

Separately, Usiminas on Thursday announced it would postpone a planned rebuild of the Ipatinga mill's No. 3 blast furnace, citing the on-going effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unit's stable performance.

Usiminas said that with the 10-month postponement, the furnace will now remain in operation until mid-2023.