Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS) has successfully proceeded with its project to integrate its steel production. On November 27, the company conducted the first heat at its brand-new electric arc furnace, capable of producing 1.1 million mt per year. The company had earlier secured enough raw material for the successful startup. The first billet was also produced at its continuous casting machine with 1.1 million mt per year capacity. For now, the company is able to manufacture only 150 mm x 150 mm square billet.
The next step is the long-awaited launch of the producer’s 2.5 million mt per year direct reduced iron (DRI) module, which is expected by the end of the current year. AQS has already received two DR-pellet cargoes and is about to receive the third one, in preparation for the facility’s launch, SteelOrbis understands. The company’s second 1.1 million mt EAF will be started in the first quarter of 2020, according to the preliminary information given to the market.