Climate action group, SteelWatch, has criticised Nippon Steel as it plans to reline the largest blast furnace at U.S. Steel’s Gary Works.
According to SteelWatch calculations, the 20-year life extension means the new blast furnace would produce more than 100Mt of CO₂ over its lifetime.
Campaigns director at SteelWatch, Toko Tomita, said: “Nippon Steel is spending billions of dollars and selling out its future competitiveness, sustainable jobs for workers, and the health of surrounding communities with this blast furnace relining at Gary Works.
“This is an extremely short-sighted move that will leave the company with outdated production facilities in a world that will be dominated by clean economies well before this plant’s extended life is finished.”
Community groups in Gary, Indiana, have already requested Nippon Steel to not seek exemption from stricter Environmental Protection Agency air pollution rules.
Tomita added: “Nippon Steel wants to be seen as a reputable steelmaker, and claims it is committed to decarbonisation, but every time it approaches a real moment of change, it falls back on coal.
“Today, the company is at crossroads, while future plans for its USD 11 billion investment are being decided. But, if this relining decision goes ahead, it would be a slap in the face for communities, and a coffin nail for Nippon Steel’s reputation on climate.”
Source: SteelWatch
