The city of Wu’an, one of China’s major steelmaking bases located in Hebei Province, has announced the implementation of further production cuts for nine steelmakers and two coke plants during August 22-31, aiming to improve air quality. This move is being implemented within the scope of the city’s anti-smog control plan for August.
In particular, nine of 14 steelmakers across Wu’an city are required to suspend production for all sintering machines and for all but one blast furnace for up to ten days. Moreover, five of the nine steelmakers will implement additional restrictions.
Coke plants are required to extend their coke production period beyond 36 hours during the given period of August 22-31.
The capacity utilization rate of blast furnaces in the given period is expected to decrease by 15.8 percent compared to original smog control plan for August. Accordingly, the capacity utilization rate of blast furnaces will go down to 41.8 percent, affecting a daily volume of 5,400 mt of molten iron output.