ArcelorMittal Dofasco has announced the decommissioning of one of its two remaining coke plants in Hamilton, with the final coke production scheduled to conclude on April 13. This decision impacts the Cokemaking business unit and No. 3 Plant, where numerous employees have dedicated their expertise and passion over the years, as stated by company spokesperson Marie Verdun.
Employees currently working at the coke plant will be transitioned to new roles within the company, although specific details regarding the number of affected employees or potential changes in compensation were not disclosed. ArcelorMittal Dofasco has been a prominent steel company in Hamilton for an extended period.
Coke, a coal-derived fuel essential for steel production due to its ability to generate high temperatures, is a significant source of emissions in the steelmaking process. As efforts to “green” the steel industry intensify, reducing emissions from coke production has become a focal point. Ontario, a key steel-producing region in Canada, faces substantial industrial greenhouse gas emissions, with steel plants accounting for a significant portion.
To address emissions, some steel producers are transitioning to alternative methods such as electric arc furnaces or replacing coal with natural gas and hydrogen. ArcelorMittal Dofasco has opted for the latter approach. The company previously decommissioned its No. 1 coke plant in 2015 and announced the closure of the No. 3 plant in 2021.
Plans for a $2 billion decarbonization initiative by ArcelorMittal Dofasco involved phasing out blast furnaces and coke plants in favor of direct reduced iron technology and electric arc furnaces by 2028. However, the timeline was extended to 2050, according to recent reports. Despite facing community scrutiny over the revised timeline, the company has remained tight-lipped on specific implementation details.
The recent announcement did not include a precise timeline for the decommissioning process. ArcelorMittal intends to continue the responsible operation of its No. 2 plant, emphasizing adherence to environmental regulations and a commitment to long-term decarbonization goals.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath hailed the decommissioning of the No. 3 plant as a positive step towards cleaner air and healthier communities, marking progress towards a more sustainable steel industry.