Technicians appointed by Italy’s Ministry of the Environment have approved the latest action plan presented by Taranto-based Italian steelmaker Ilva, in which the company indicates when and how it is going to implement the environmental upgrade measures required by the Environmental Integrated Authorization (EIA) previously issued by the ministry. In line with the ministry’s approval, in the coming days Ilva will formally ask prosecutors in Taranto to abrogate the seizure of its upstream steel production facilities.
The most important novelty contained in the plan prepared by Ilva is the shutdown of its blast furnace No. 2, for which the EIA simply required the installation of a stock-house dedusting system. The company’s choice of BF No. 2 is a consequence of the shutdown of coke oven batteries Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Otherwise, Ilva’s plan is broadly consistent with the ministry’s EIA.
Upgrade works at Ilva will begin at BF No.1 which will be shut down in December this year, to be rebuilt under the supervision of Luxembourg-based company Paul Wurth. At the same time, Ilva will also carry out interventions on coke oven batteries Nos. 3,4,5 and 6. The stoppage of blast furnace No. 5 and its reconstruction will start in July 2014, one year earlier compared to the initial intention of Ilva, while the raw material (coking coal and iron ore) outdoor storage yards will also be covered. As outlined by the EIA, the plan must be completed within three years. The cost is expected to be close to €3.5 billion.
In August this year, prosecutors in Taranto had ordered Ilva to halt production and clean up its Taranto steelmaking complex in the south of Italy after an inquiry found that toxic emissions from the plant were harming workers and local residents.