British Steel say Scunthorpe blast furnaces will keep running into the new year
There were fears the furnaces could close before the end of this year
Last updated 12th Nov 2024
British Steel have confirmed the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe will continue to operate into the new year.
The firm had previously announced plans to replace their blast furnaces with an electric arc – and there have been fears this would happen by the end of this year.
But the company say they’ve recently bought raw materials meaning their operations will continue to run into 2025.
British Steel also say they're still in talks with the government to ensure British steel 'plays a vital role in meeting the UKs infrastructure needs.'
There have been concerns since the plan was first unveiled to replace the blast furnaces with a 'greener' electric arc furnace. With Unions concerned this could lead to the loss of around 2,000 jobs.
A British Steel spokesperson said:
“As part of our ongoing commitment to securing a long-term sustainable future for British Steel in Scunthorpe, we recently purchased raw materials that will see our operations continue to run into the new year.
"At the same time, we remain in active discussions with Government, working together to ensure British Steel continues to play a vital role in meeting the UKs infrastructure needs.”