Whyalla Steelworks Restarts Rolling Mill, Completes Full Production Recovery
The Whyalla Steelworks, a key player in South Australia's steel industry, has hit a major milestone with the successful restart of its Rolling Mill. This marks another significant step in the plant's ongoing recovery following the restart of its Blast Furnace earlier in 2025. The resumption of operations in the Rolling Mill means that all major production units are now back online and working through customer orders, signaling a full return to steel production.
Restart of the Rolling Mill: A Key Milestone
The Rolling Mill, a crucial component of steel production at Whyalla, was successfully brought back into operation following a meticulously planned process. After months of preparation and ensuring all systems were ready for restart, the unit is now fully operational, processing hot metal into finished steel products. This not only signifies a technical achievement but also serves as a testament to the dedication and skill of the Whyalla team.
GFG Alliance Chief Manufacturing Officer, Theuns Victor, expressed his pride in the efforts of the Whyalla team, highlighting the successful restart as an example of resilience and teamwork. "It’s inspiring to see the skill and dedication which has seen the final piece in the steelworks puzzle come alive once again," Victor stated.
A New Beginning for Whyalla Steelworks
Although the restart of the Rolling Mill marks a significant recovery, there is still much work to be done before the steelworks can reach its full potential. The Blast Furnace, which had been offline, is now operating at over 70% of its capacity, and the steelmaking facility, along with the Rolling Mill, is converting hot metal into high-quality steel products for domestic customers.
Victor acknowledged that the road to full recovery is ongoing but emphasized the progress made thus far. "Although there is still a long road ahead on our journey back to black, we do want to also celebrate the special efforts by the Whyalla team to get us this far," he said.
The Road Ahead
The Whyalla Steelworks has faced numerous challenges in recent years, but the restart of both the Blast Furnace and Rolling Mill represents a huge step towards reviving the plant's operations and securing its future in the competitive steel industry. The next stages of the recovery will involve ramping up production and further improving efficiency across all units.
This restart also holds positive implications for the local economy, providing jobs and reinforcing Whyalla’s status as a major steel production hub in Australia. The plant’s ability to recover and operate at full capacity is vital not only for the company but also for the broader community that relies on its success.
