Algoma Steel installs first structural columns for electric arc steel shop

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Algoma Steel Group celebrated a construction milestone last week, after completing installation of the first structural steel columns at its electric arc steelmaking facility (EAF) in Sault Ste. Marie.

The EAF is the largest industrial-scale carbon reduction project in Canada, funded by the provincial and federal governments. Completion of the $703 million project is on track for mid-2024.

“Ontario is leading the way on clean steel as we build up home-grown electric vehicle supply chains,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I was thrilled to join Algoma Steel Inc. to celebrate major progress installing new electric arc furnaces. This project alone is like taking one million cars off the road every year.”

Algoma Steel partnered with Hamilton-based Walters Group Inc. in fabricating and erecting the main EAF building and ancillary structures, which include leading technology to reduce sound and emissions.

Algoma steelWalters is using Algoma’s steel plate products in the fabrication of the heavy structural components, and working with local industrial contractor, SIS Manufacturing Inc., for the fabrication of these key elements. Onsite assembly of the building structure is targeted for completion within the year.

“Given the significance of Algoma’s transition to Ontario’s carbon reduction goals, we were excited to celebrate this important milestone with Premier Ford today,” Algoma Chief executive officer Michael D. Garcia said in a statement. “We are making incredible progress on the EAF project, which remains on time and on budget, and most importantly, the team is working safely.

“The level of excitement in the community and among our workforce is remarkable as we look to a greener future with an expected 70 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”

When paired with Ontario’s low-carbon power grid, officials expect the transition will position Algoma as one of the leading producers of green steel in North America.”

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Algoma is a fully integrated producer of hot and cold rolled steel products including sheet and plate. Driven by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is positioned to deliver responsive, customer-driven product solutions to applications in the automotive, construction, energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Algoma is a key supplier of steel products to customers in North America and is the only producer of discrete plate products in Canada. Its Direct Strip Production Complex (DSPC) is one of the lowest-cost producers of hot rolled sheet steel (HRC) in North America, the company asserts in a statement.

“Algoma is on a transformation journey, modernizing its plate mill and adopting electric arc technology that builds on the strong principles of recycling and environmental stewardship to significantly lower carbon emissions,” the company statement says. “Today Algoma is investing in its people and processes, working safely, as a team to become one of North America’s leading producers of green steel.”

“As a founding industry in their community, Algoma is drawing on the best of its rich steelmaking tradition to deliver greater value, offering North America the comfort of a secure steel supply and a sustainable future as your partner in steel.”

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