Securing the Future of Australian Steelmaking at Port Kembla

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Securing the Future of Australian Steelmaking at Port Kembla

A Bridge to the Future of Steelmaking

At the heart of the Port Kembla steelworks, a massive undertaking is underway. The relining of BlueScope Steel's number six blast furnace is the biggest project in the Australian steel industry, with a total cost of $1.15 billion. This unprecedented investment demonstrates the company's commitment to the future of Australian steel manufacturing.

The current number five blast furnace is nearing the end of its life cycle, and the relining of number six will ensure the continued operation of the Port Kembla steelworks for the next 20 years. This is crucial for the Illawarra region, where blast furnace steelmaking has been a cornerstone of the local economy for almost a century.

The relining process is complex, involving the replacement of the furnace's brick lining and water-cooling system. To tackle this challenge, BlueScope has contracted the largest crane operating in the southern hemisphere, enabling them to move heavy components around the plant with greater efficiency.

While the relining will maintain the core steelmaking process, significant technological advancements are being incorporated. The furnace will be equipped with the latest energy-saving technology, including a top gas recovery system and a waste gas heat recovery system. These systems will capture enough energy to power 20,000 homes, significantly reducing the furnace's carbon footprint.

Despite criticism that the relining will prolong the use of coal, BlueScope sees it as a bridge to low-emissions steelmaking. The company is actively investigating green steelmaking pathways, including a pilot green iron plant south of Perth. They are confident that the blast furnace can be retrofitted to run off green fuel sources such as hydrogen, ensuring a sustainable future for steelmaking at Port Kembla.

The relining project is expected to be completed by mid-2026, securing the future of the Port Kembla steelworks and paving the way for a greener future of steelmaking in Australia.