Algoma Steel's 315-foot-high No. 7 blast furnace was idled this week by an unspecified "event" that halted steel production.
"From time to time Algoma Steel experiences operational disruptions," says Laura Devoni, the steelmaker's director of human resources and corporate affairs.
"We experienced an event at the blast furnace which required a controlled shut-down to facilitate repairs.
"We minimized non-essential staffing levels while repairs were underway to control costs during this period of tariff threats.
"The blast furnace is operational and we are in the process of scaling up," Devoni said.
The 50-year-old blast furnace, together with Algoma's basic oxygen furnace and coke-making operations, are expected to be shut down starting in 2027 as the steel mill completes its transition to electric-arc furnace steel making.
"With respect to the electric arc furnaces, in [the fourth quarter of] 2024, we began cold-commissioning activities, which are accelerating," Devoni said.
"We do not expect any material delay in our plan for first steel production by the end of the first quarter of 2025."
The company announced last night that it will release its financial results for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2024 after the market closes on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Algoma has changed its fiscal year end from March 31 to Dec. 31, resulting in a nine-month fiscal reporting period ending December 31.
