Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas has announced that it has commissioned its new coke plant No. 3 with an annual capacity of 750,000 metric tons at its Ipatinga steel mill, with an investment amounting to BRL 707 million (US$410.82 million).
According to Usiminas' statement, the new coking plant is the first step towards reaching self-sufficiency regarding coke supplies at Ipatinga by the year 2013. With commissioning of coke plant No. 2, coke output capacity at Ipatinga will increase by 250,000 metric tons to 1.9 million metric tons and the outdated coke plant No. 1 will be decommissioned.
By enhancing self-sufficiency in coke supplies, Usiminas plans to decrease its vulnerability against sudden price changes in raw material costs and save up to BRL 250 million (US$145.27 million) per year.