Whyalla Steelworks in Limbo as Blast Furnace Remains Offline
Whyalla's steelworks has been offline for over 50 days due to blast furnace issues, raising concerns about the plant's future. The slow process of restarting the furnace has impacted employees, contractors, and local businesses.
Former mayor Lyn Breuer expressed concern, stating, "I've never known this to happen before." GFG Alliance, the owner, remains confident in a mid-to-late May restart and plans to transition to green steel by 2030.
Despite government funding and Gupta's green hydrogen plans, residents remain cautious, with Cherilee Bagshaw stating, "We're always hoping that next person that comes along is actually going to do something great for Whyalla."
The future of the Whyalla steelworks hangs in the balance as the community awaits the furnace's restart and the promised green steel transformation.