Algeria-based Ozmert, a Turkish investment, has recently started operations at its second melt shop, which brings the company a step closer to self-sufficiency in billet.
The producer has recently had the first heat at its 240,000 mt per year steel melt shop, which is an addition to an already operational 150,000 mt facility. “We plan to reach full liquid steel production in April-March 2021,” the company’s CEO told SteelOrbis. Previously, Ozmert had started operations at its 450,000 mt per year rebar rolling line, with the products to be mainly sold to the local Algerian market. In addition, Ozmert has an investment to build a 22 MWA power plant in order to secure its energy needs.
Competition in Algeria’s rebar market has gradually tightened with new production capacities emerging. According to sources, local producer Cevital started production at its 750,000 mt line around two to three weeks ago. Tosyali Algerie and AQS, the largest mills in the country, are capable of producing around 4.7 million mt per year.