These investments will expand ArcelorMittal’s crude steel production capacity in the long carbon sector in Brazil by an additional 2.6 million tons. This represents an increase from 3.9 million tons per year up to 6.5 million tons per year.. The investment is expected to be completed within 30 months.
All facilities will be projected and installed with updated and environmentally friendly technology as well as energy efficiency.
The final location for these new investments will be announced after the conclusion of feasibility studies which are presently underway.
Separately, the works to increase the capacity of the Monlevade plant have commenced and should also be completed within 30 months. The investment program in Monlevade includes the installation of :
- a new Sinter Plant with a capacity of 4 million tons per year;
- a Blast Furnace with a capacity of 1.5 million tons per year;
- a simultaneous BOF Blowing
- a Continuous Caster with a capacity of 1.2 million tons per year and
- a Wire Rod Mill with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year.
ArcelorMittal anticipates up to 6000 people will be employed during the peak construction phase of this project. As a result of the capacity expansion at Monlevade, 400 additional direct jobs will be created at the plant which currently has 1200 employees.
Commenting, Gonzalo Urquijo, Member of ArcelorMittal’s Group Management Board responsible for Long Products, stated:
“Our growth plans at Monlevade along with this additional investment of US$1.6 billion is an integral part of the investment program for our Brazilian operations, focusing on all the main long product lines. The increase in production capacity, particularly in the production of wire rod, bars and rebars as well as structural sections, recognizes the important growth potential of the domestic market and our commitment to investing in Brazil.”