ArcelorMittal’s DRI project receives environmental approval in Spain

Steelmaker ArcelorMittal has received a positive environmental impact statement (EIS) for the construction of a direct reduced iron plant at its Gijón plant, Kallanish reports, citing the regional government of Asturias.

The EIS will remain in force until the project is operational within four years, starting on December 29, 2023.

The construction of the 2.3 mtpa green hydrogen-based DRI plant, which is a priority to meet the corporation’s CO₂ emission reduction targets in Europe, is still awaiting formal approval from the company’s board.

According to the Asturian government, if there are changes in the characteristics of a project for which an environmental impact statement has been prepared, it is necessary to assess whether it could have a significant negative effect and, if necessary, to carry out an environmental assessment procedure.

Last spring, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved €450 million in funding for ArcelorMittal’s decarbonization project at its Gijon plant. The allocation, which the European Commission approved in February, will support the construction of a direct reduction unit, with the new unit replacing two blast furnaces.

As GMK Center reported earlier, ArcelorMittal is considering shutting down blast furnace A (BF A) from April 1, 2024, at its Veriña steel plant in Gijón, Spain, if the impact of low demand and high volumes of steel imports from third countries continues. Although the decision has not yet been made, the measure is included in the company’s plans for 2024. The company also has no plan for the duration of such a shutdown, if it occurs.