BLUESCOPE Steel says it will defer the restart of its Port Kembla Blast Furnace No.5, which had been due for mid-June 2009 following a relining operation.
BlueScope Steel has cited the current demand and inventory levels for its decision. It claims the reline project is on schedule and on budget, and estimates it will cost $372m. The company will proceed with completing the last stages of the upgrade project.
Restarting the blast furnace is expected to cost $20m, but this will be deferred until market conditions improve. BlueScope Steel claims this is unlikely before 17 August 2009.
The Sinter Plant Upgrade Project is being undertaken in conjunction with the Blast Furnace Reline. The upgrade will see sinter capacity increased from 5.5 to 6.6mtpa.
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