ArcelorMittal confirms its intention to invest in the decarbonization of its Dunkirk plant

Company invests €1.2 billion in electric arc furnace amid support from French government and new EU policies

Global steel company ArcelorMittal has reaffirmed its commitment to decarbonize its industrial facilities in France. The company is working closely with the French government, which plays a key role in protecting the steel industry not only in France but across Europe. This is stated in the company’s press release.

The steel industry is currently experiencing the deepest crisis since the financial crisis of 2009. That is why ArcelorMittal decided to postpone the implementation of a number of decarbonization projects in Europe a few months ago. At the same time, the company is optimistic about the latest EU initiatives, including the Steel and Metals Action Plan presented in March 2025.

This plan envisages the creation of effective mechanisms to protect the internal market, including improving the carbon border adjustment mechanism (MACF) and limiting steel imports to 15% of total EU demand. The updated safeguard measures that came into force on April 1 were the first important step in this direction.

In this context, ArcelorMittal has announced its intention to restart its European decarbonization plan after the summer. In particular, the company has confirmed an investment of around €1.2 billion to build the first electric arc furnace at its Dunkirk site.

This investment is part of a broader strategy: €254 million has already been allocated for modernization in Dunkirk, €53 million for the Fos-sur-Mer facility, and another €500 million will be invested in a new production line in Mardik by the end of the year. ArcelorMittal’s total investments in France will reach €2 billion, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic and sustainable steel industry in the country.

As GMK Center reported earlier, ArcelorMittal reduced steel production by 0.3% year-on-year – to 57.9 million tons in 2024. Iron ore production in the period increased by 0.9% y/y – to 42.4 million tons. Steel shipments to customers in the period amounted to 54.3 million tonnes (-2.3% y/y), and iron ore (only for AMMC and Liberia) – 26.4 million tonnes (+0% y/y).

ArcelorMittal is a leading global steel and mining company with operations in 60 countries and production assets in 18 countries.