ArcelorMittal Brazil to resume operations in Barra Mansa unit pushed by construction demand

ArcelorMittal Brazil will resume operations at its Barra Mansa steelworks in the second half of 2021, betting on strong long steel demand, the company said May 26.

The Rio de Janeiro-based plant was halted in early 2019 and will receive investments of approximately Real 19 million ($3.58 million). The resumption will take place gradually, initially with one of the two electric-arc furnaces there.

According to the company, the return of the unit was prompted by the increase in steel demand in the local market, driven by civil construction and industry in general. The plant has a total 800,000 mt of annual crude steel production capacity and produces mainly rebar and wire rod.

"This is another step that strengthens the company's operations in the country and demonstrates the company's confidence in the resumption of the economy," said Jefferson De Paula, CEO of ArcelorMittal long steel LATAM and mining Brazil.