Final consignment another milestone in CN30 strategy
7 September 2023
The LIBERTY Primary Steel Whyalla Steelworks last consignment of coal was another step on the path to the coke ovens closure and another milestone in the GFG Alliance journey towards GREENSTEEL and GREENIRON.
LIBERTY Primary Steel (LPS) received its final consignment of coal recently as it moves towards the September 15* closure of its coal-fed coke-making ovens and the transition from a coke-fed blast furnace to a more environmentally friendly electric arc furnace (EAF).
More than 47,000 tonnes of coal were unloaded by the MV Orion at the Whyalla Port bulk berth on July 28, signalling the end of more than 50 years of coal deliveries to Whyalla and another significant step in the transition to GREENSTEEL and GREENIRON.
I think there is some nostalgia but also an overall sense of optimism for the future as we move forward with new technology and a new green way of making steel
Head of Integrated Planning Hayley Perkins
For long-term employees like Transport Projects Lead Noel Goldsworthy, the last shipment was both poignant and positive in the change from ‘old to the new’ at the steelworks.
“It is the most significant change from the traditional process of producing steel that I’ve seen in my 55 years at the steelworks,” Noel said.
“It’s a change we have to make for the future of steelmaking, it’s a positive way forward for the sustainability of the steel business in Whyalla which is a good thing for the community and environment.”
For Head of Integrated Planning Hayley Perkins, who has managed the delivery of more than a million tonnes of coal every year, the last shipment of coal has created a sense of opportunity and vision for a bright future.
“This last shipment is a real step forward towards GREENSTEEL and linked to one of the biggest changes in the decommissioning of the coke ovens,” Hayley said.
“I think there is some nostalgia but also an overall sense of optimism for the future as we move forward with new technology and a new green way of making steel.”
It is the most significant change from the traditional process of producing steel that I’ve seen in my 55 years at the steelworks
Transport Projects Lead Noel Goldsworthy
The last shipment of coal, and scheduled closure of the coke ovens, follows an announcement in April by GFG Executive Chairman Sanjeev Gupta that a contract has been signed for the supply of a low carbon emissions electric arc furnace for the Whyalla Steelworks. LPS will import coke in the short term until the commissioning of the EAF.
*Note: Scheduled closure date may change due to operational schedules.
Read more about the Coke Ovens Closure
More pictures of the last shipment
