The air emissions caused during a fire incident at ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Canada on Christmas day are being investigated by the Ministry of Environment in Ontario.
The incident, which occurred late in the morning on Dec 25 resulted from “a series of eruptions” during the slag casting process at the plant’s No. 4 blast furnace, according to a media statement released by the steelmaker.
Although the incident did not cause any injuries, the company said that it had alerted the Ministry of Environment as the fire caused considerable air emissions due to the reaction between water and liquid iron. The ensuing eruptions after liquid slag encountered moisture, may have also caused the emission of silica, calcium, magnesium, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide, AM Dofasco added.
The company said that the site was secure but did not disclose if production was impacted by the fire.