Global steelmaker ArcelorMittal is considering resuming a blast furnace in its Dunkerque steel plant in northern France, according to media reports.
The restart decision is believed to be a result of the slight rise in European steel demand driven by restocking activities. The 1 million mt No. 2 blast furnace in Dunkerque shut down in August 2012 for planned maintenance works is expected to resume next week.
In October, ArcelorMittal stated that it will permanently stop liquid steel production in Florange, France. The company is getting ready to shut down four blast furnaces, including two in Florange and two at its Liege plant in Belgium given the continuing economic difficulties affecting the French and European economies.