Emirates Steel commissions $653m mill

Emirates Steel is now one of the largest direct reduced iron producers in the Middle East.

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Emirates Steel has commenced with hot commissioning of the first heavy section mill in the region, at a reported total cost of $635m. This follows successful hot trials during November 2011.

Constructed by Italy’s Danieli, the Emirates Steel heavy section mill will produce parallel-flange beams, columns and bearing piles with up to 1,016mm web depth and 419 flange width up to 430mm parallel flange channels, 250mm angles, 750mm U-sheet piles and 630mm Z-sheet piles using 350 x 220mm conticast blooms and up to 1,050 x 460 x 120mm beam blanks as starting material.

"This is the latest achievement in the expansion programme at our integrated complex in Musaffah," said Emirates Steel chairman Suhail Al Ameri.

"Now that Phase 2B is complete, we will be the only producer of jumbo and heavy sections in MENA, and will be able to offer drastically-reduced lead times and an improved product offering in terms of piece count and cut-to-length services," said Al Ameri.

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Emirates Steel, a direct subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation (ADBIC) which is, in turn, wholly-owned by the General Holding Company (GHC), launched a two-phase, $2.45bn expansion programme in January 2006.

Phase 1 was completed in June 2009, Phase 2A in March 2011 and Phase 2B in December 2011. The new heavy section mill will be integrated with the second 1.4m t/y steel meltshop and associated direct reduction plant, already started successfully in autumn 2010.

Emirates Steel is now one of the largest direct reduced iron producers in the Middle East region.

"Both the expansion plan and overall growth strategy of Emirates Steel are in line with the government’s long-term plans for the development and diversification of the Emirate’s economy," said Al Ameri.

The expansion is also part of an overall backward integration plan, which will ensure a competitive market position for Emirates Steel.

The plant’s new facilities, together with its planned further expansion, will see Emirates Steel increase its production to around 6.5m t/y within the next four years.