Algoma to shut down line in Ontario ahead of EAF start

“Algoma must adapt to the ever-changing steel market and in addition to our flagship Direct Strip Production Complex sheet mill, we are focusing our operational and business efforts on producing and selling plate as part of our plate growth strategy, enabled by our recently modernized plate mill,” a spokeswoman for the Canadian steelmaker said.

“As a result, we have made the decision to indefinitely idle the 106” Mill, which was part of our plate and strip combination facility,” she added.

“Along with state-of-the-art electric arc furnaces, Algoma is equipped to serve the North American market with modern hot roll and plate production facilities,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Algoma said it had begun cold commissioning its EAF project in Sault Ste. Marie. Cold commissioning began in Q4 and is accelerating, according to the company.

First steel production is expected by the end of Q1’25.

Algoma’s EAF project features two EAFs, which will eventually replace the existing blast furnace and basic oxygen steelmaking operations.

Once the project is completed, Algoma will have an annual raw steel production capacity of ~3.7 million short tons.