Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS) is successfully proceeding with the integration of its production, despite challenging market conditions, SteelOrbis has learned. Early last week, the company started hot trials at its second electric arc furnace (EAF) and continuous casting machine (CCM). Both facilities have 1.1 million mt per year capacity, for crude steel and square billet, respectively. The company already operates a steel complex of the same capacity, launched at the end of last year.
For now, AQS is using domestic scrap and imported direct reduced iron (DRI) as a raw material. Later, the producer intends to use its own DRI for its crude steel output. According to the preliminary schedule, the 2.5 million mt DRI-module will be operational by June this year.
