ArcelorMittal to restart second blast furnace at French site

Published 20th March, 2026 by Pete Downham

ArcelorMittal’s Fos-sur-Mer site, located in France, has begun preparations to restart its second blast furnace in the second half of 2026.

Blast furnace number 1, which is currently undergoing works to extend its life, will restart in June, with the decision made with the assumption that the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system will be implemented quickly.

Blast furnace number 2, currently in operation, will remain in production.

To support the ramp-up of the site, €90m will be invested in the Fos-sur-Mer site in 2026.

The site is located on the south coast and employs 2,500 people, as well as providing work for around 1,200 subcontractors.

Despite the restart, ArcelorMittal has said it will continue studies on installing an electric arc furnace at the site.

Pete Downham

Content Assistant

Pete Downham is a content assistant for Aluminium International Today, Steel Times International and Furnaces International. Downham is an NCTJ-accredited journalist, with an MA in Journalism from Kingston University. Since completing his studies, he has featured in an assortment of news and sport publications.