On September 17, 2024, a significant incident occurred at ArcelorMittal's steel plant in Gijon, Spain, prompting the global steelmaker to suspend coke production. The explosion took place at coke oven battery No. 1 within the plant's coke-chemical division around 14:00, reportedly due to an excess of coke oven gas. This unfortunate event led to injuries for three workers who were in the transit area at the time, highlighting the inherent risks associated with industrial operations in the steel manufacturing sector.
Following the explosion, both of the plant’s coke oven batteries were immediately shut down as a precautionary measure. Firefighters were deployed to the scene to extinguish the fire, ensuring that the situation was brought under control swiftly. The rapid response from the emergency services underscored the importance of safety protocols in such high-stakes environments.
Alberto Carrero, the Director of Sustainability and Communications at ArcelorMittal Spain, provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the company's commitment to worker safety and operational integrity.
Despite the explosion, Carrero assured stakeholders that the incident would not significantly impact coke production. He stated that while there might be delays or temporary shutdowns of units reliant on coke oven gas, the overall metallurgical production at the Gijon facility would remain unaffected. This assurance is crucial for maintaining confidence among clients and partners, particularly in an industry where supply chain stability is paramount.
The coke produced at the Gijon plant is vital for the steelmaking processes at both the Gijon and nearby Aviles facilities. In Gijon, the plant specializes in producing flat products, such as heavy plates, along with long products like rails and wire rods. Meanwhile, the Aviles facility focuses on flat products, including galvanized and coiled tin. The interconnected nature of these operations means that any disruption in coke production could have ripple effects throughout the supply chain, making the swift resolution of this incident even more critical.
Carrero highlighted the efficiency of the coke oven batteries at the Gijon plant, noting that they are among the most efficient within ArcelorMittal's global operations. These units have undergone extensive overhauls and have been operating safely for several years without any prior incidents. This history of reliability adds a layer of credibility to the company's assertion that the explosion was an isolated incident rather than indicative of systemic issues within the plant's operations.
