Tata Steel Europe has restarted blast furnace number 5 at the Port Talbot mill in the UK following its upgrade, Kallanish learns from sources.

The upgrade of the BF started in September last year, with the aim of adding 5-7 years to the furnace’s life (see Kallanish passim). The revamp is part of the long-term strategy of the mill, which is expected to soon be part of a unique group comprising Tata Steel Europe and thyssenkrupp steel’s Europe operations.

On 19 January Tata Steel Europe announced on Twitter that the blow-in of the furnace was starting. It is now understood the BF is back in operation.