ArcelorMittal is investing €53 million in the modernization of blast furnace No. 1 in Fos-sur-Mer

Global mining and steel company ArcelorMittal has begun a large-scale modernization of blast furnace No. 1 at its site in Fos-sur-Mer, France. The €53 million investment will extend the unit’s service life and ensure its efficient operation amid capacity reductions – from 2024, only one of the two blast furnaces will be in operation at the site. This is stated in the company’s newsletter.

The current work involves replacing or repairing key components, including copper protective plates and elements of the tapping system. The project is being implemented by internal teams involving more than 300 employees. The renovation is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. HF1 is set to become a reliable replacement for the current furnace No. 2.

Renovation of BF No. 1 is part of a broader transformation of Fos-sur-Mer into decarbonized steel production. As part of this course, the company also presented a project to build an electric arc furnace (EAF), which will allow steel to be smelted from scrap, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

The expected cost of the EAF project is €750 million, but a final decision on the investment has not yet been made. ArcelorMittal is participating in a public dialogue that will run from April to mid-July 2025, initiated by the French National Public Debate Commission. Company representatives emphasize that the implementation of the EAF depends on clarity in the EU regulatory environment regarding the protection of European steel producers.

As GMK Center reported earlier, ArcelorMittal reduced its steel production by 0.3% in 2024 compared to 2023, to 57.9 million tons. Shipments of metal products to customers during this period amounted to 54.3 million tons (-2.3% y/y).