Luxembourg-based steel giant ArcelorMittal will permanently close its two blast furnaces near the eastern Belgian city of Liege, according to recent media reports.
Union leaders stated that ArcelorMittal is also shutting down the foundry at its Liege facilities due to the weakening economic situation, causing around 1,000 workers and contractors to lose their jobs. One of the blast furnaces has been idle since 2008 and the other since August this year.
However, earlier this week, David Camerini from the CSC trade union had stated that operations would resume at the Liege facilities after workers voted to end strike action.
As SteeOrbis previously reported, ArcelorMittal shut down blast furnaces in Florange, France and Eisenhuettenstadt, Germany last month.