Taranto, a city in Italy, is grappling with a shutdown order directed at Acciaierie d'Italia (ADI) due to concerns over pollution. Mayor Rinaldo Melucci has given the steelmaker 30 days to address the high levels of benzene emissions originating from the hot end-area at its Taranto facility.The city council, in a recently obtained order, cites health risks associated with increased benzene levels in the air due to the steelworks' operations. ADI's management has been instructed to identify the equipment responsible for the emissions and take necessary measures to reverse the rising trend of benzene leaks.If an effective solution is not implemented, the city council orders the cessation of operations in the hot end area, including blast furnaces, the coke area, and the melt shops. This action must be taken within a reasonable period, ensuring safety and not exceeding 60 days from the receipt of the order.The FIOM unions express concerns about the potential collapse of the former Ilva, emphasizing the need for prompt responses from the ministries responsible for the environmental and industrial future of the plant. The ongoing transitional phase, preceding the transfer of the majority stake to Invitalia, poses challenges in managing the plant. Insufficient planning for maintenance activities has led to inadequate production levels and compromised environmental standards, according to a document by the unions.While significant progress has been made in environmental remediation in Taranto, critical issues persist due to the equipment seizure ordered by the Taranto judiciary.In 2021, the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (TAR) Puglia had already given the company 60 days to shut down the hot end at Taranto due to excessive emissions. However, the Italian Council of State ruled that ArcelorMittal Italia, the parent company of ADI, did not need to shut down the plant. ADI, a joint venture between state-owned Invitalia and ArcelorMittal, recently restarted blast furnace No.2 at Taranto after being idle since July.ADI produced 3.5 million tonnes of crude steel in 2022, currently operating with blast furnaces No.1, 2, and 4. In the latter half of 2023, the company plans to refurbish blast furnace No.5, which has been dormant for several years, and commence construction of an electric arc furnace.
Taranto, a city in Italy, is grappling with a shutdown order directed at Acciaierie d'Italia (ADI) due to concerns over pollution. Mayor Rinaldo Melucci has given the steelmaker 30 days to address the high levels of benzene emissions originating from the hot end-area at its Taranto facility.The city council, in a recently obtained order, cites health risks associated with increased benzene levels in the air due to the steelworks' operations. ADI's management has been instructed to identify the equipment responsible for the emissions and take necessary measures to reverse the rising trend of benzene leaks.If an effective solution is not implemented, the city council orders the cessation of operations in the hot end area, including blast furnaces, the coke area, and the melt shops. This action must be taken within a reasonable period, ensuring safety and not exceeding 60 days from the receipt of the order.The FIOM unions express concerns about the potential collapse of the former Ilva, emphasizing the need for prompt responses from the ministries responsible for the environmental and industrial future of the plant. The ongoing transitional phase, preceding the transfer of the majority stake to Invitalia, poses challenges in managing the plant. Insufficient planning for maintenance activities has led to inadequate production levels and compromised environmental standards, according to a document by the unions.While significant progress has been made in environmental remediation in Taranto, critical issues persist due to the equipment seizure ordered by the Taranto judiciary.In 2021, the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (TAR) Puglia had already given the company 60 days to shut down the hot end at Taranto due to excessive emissions. However, the Italian Council of State ruled that ArcelorMittal Italia, the parent company of ADI, did not need to shut down the plant. ADI, a joint venture between state-owned Invitalia and ArcelorMittal, recently restarted blast furnace No.2 at Taranto after being idle since July.ADI produced 3.5 million tonnes of crude steel in 2022, currently operating with blast furnaces No.1, 2, and 4. In the latter half of 2023, the company plans to refurbish blast furnace No.5, which has been dormant for several years, and commence construction of an electric arc furnace.
