British Steel has said it is continuing to purchase raw materials for Scunthorpe ‘s coke blast furnaces.
In November, following three months of uncertainty over whether it was going to close the furnaces prematurely at the year’s end, it announced it had bought new raw materials to continue running the furnaces “into the New Year”. Scunthorpe Live has followed up to ask if current supplies would ensure the blast furnaces would run beyond January, and if any new raw materials had been purchased since to prolong the furnaces’ life beyond “into the New Year”.
A British Steel spokesperson said it continues to purchase raw materials to support iron and steelmaking at its Scunthorpe site. It also remains in active discussions with the Government about the company’s future.
It comes after North Lincolnshire Council ‘s leader said it had weekly meetings with British Steel management over the site’s future.
“As part of our commitment to securing a sustainable future for British Steel in Scunthorpe, we continue to purchase raw materials to support iron and steelmaking,” said a British Steel spokesperson. “At the same time, we remain in active discussions with Government, working together to ensure British Steel continues to play a vital role in meeting the UK’s infrastructure needs.”
The company is believed to employ more than 3,200 people at its Scunthorpe site. It has planning permission to switch to a greener electric arc furnace (EAF) at Scunthorpe in the future. This is part of £1.25bn plans to produce greener steel, which is linked to a support package being agreed with the Government.
Asked if works, of any kind, had begun on the EAF and if not, was it delayed until there is certainty over the Government support package for British Steel, the spokesperson said: “We are in ongoing discussions with the government about our decarbonisation plans and the future operations of our UK business. While progress continues, no final decisions have been made.”
‘Weekly meetings’
The Government does not comment on the status of ongoing negotiations, but it is understood to be engaging closely with British Steel and the steel trade unions. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “This government will simply not allow the end of steel making in the UK. That’s why we’ve committed up to £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK steel industry and support communities now and for generations to come.
“We’re working across government in partnership with trade unions and businesses, including British Steel, to secure a green steel transition that’s right for the workforce, represents a good investment for taxpayers and safeguards the future of the steel industry in Britain.”
In his New Year message, North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham said his most important message for 2025 is “to emphasise how hard we are working to secure the future of British Steel. We have weekly meetings with management and regular talks with the Government and are determined to support a positive future for the site, which is part of the heart of our community.”
Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe
