Global steelmaker ArcelorMittal has invoked force majeure following a breakdown of a blast furnace at its Newcastle Works in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, stated media reports. The blast furnace was idled for three weeks after it underwent thermal damage.
The company is unable to estimate the production losses due to uncertainty surrounding its fixation.
The facility has an annual production capacity of 1.9mn mt and produces long steel products used in the construction industry.
ArcelorMittal SA produces 4.4mn mt of finished steel products in South Africa via four main steel plants.