On track to be completed in 2029, the $700-million electric arc steelmaking facility is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 per cent

The most expensive project in Sault Ste. Marie’s history is so far on budget and on time, according to Algoma Steel officials.

On Wednesday, SooToday had a rare opportunity to join a visiting delegation from the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) on a tour of the construction site of Algoma Steel’s future electric arc steelmaking facility.

The $703-million project will feature a pair of electric arc furnaces (EAF) that will replace the plant’s existing blast furnace, coke oven batteries, and basic oxygen steelmaking operations.

The furnaces are expected to come online in 2024, and ultimately, the transformation aims to reduce Algoma’s greenhouse emissions by up to 70 per cent when construction efforts reach the final stages in 2029.

Wednesday’s tour primarily focused on the preparations being carried out for the foundations of several areas of the future facility, including the Scrap Yard and Melt Shop.

In addition to the two electric arc furnaces, the new steelmaking facility will include a power sub-station, water treatment plant, two dedicated baghouses, and a vacuum degasser.

The project is also expected to generate 500 new construction jobs for the community.

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