HKM Permanently Decommissions Blast Furnace A, Looks to EAF Future
09/21/2026 - Salzgitter AG announced its subsidiary, Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM), permanently decommissioned its Blast Furnace A in Duisburg, Germany, on Saturday, as it works toward commissioning an electric arc furnace (EAF) at the site in 2029.
“With the decommissioning of Blast Furnace A at HKM in Duisburg, we are taking another step closer to our goal of making a decisive contribution to achieving Germany’s climate targets,” said Gunnar Groebler, chief executive officer of Salzgitter AG.
The company said Blast Furnace B will continue to run until commissioning of the EAF. It was restarted a few weeks ago after being relined. They estimate pig iron production this year will amount to about 3 million metric tons. In 2027, annual capacity will be an estimated 2.5 million metric tons.
“With the construction of the electric arc furnace, which replaces the traditional blast furnace process, we are therefore consistently implementing the Salzgitter Group’s strategy in Duisburg as well and strengthening our position as a leading supplier of green steel for industrial value chains,” Groebler continued.
The decommissioning marks a milestone in the company’s transition to green steel. Upon completion, the EAF will have a tapping weight of 285 metric tons and a capacity of 2.5 million metric tons annually. It will receive EUR200 million in funding from the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the “Federal Funding for Industry and Climate Protection” program.
The company said Blast Furnace B will continue to run until commissioning of the EAF. It was restarted a few weeks ago after being relined. They estimate pig iron production this year will amount to about 3 million metric tons. In 2027, annual capacity will be an estimated 2.5 million metric tons.
“With the construction of the electric arc furnace, which replaces the traditional blast furnace process, we are therefore consistently implementing the Salzgitter Group’s strategy in Duisburg as well and strengthening our position as a leading supplier of green steel for industrial value chains,” Groebler continued.
The decommissioning marks a milestone in the company’s transition to green steel. Upon completion, the EAF will have a tapping weight of 285 metric tons and a capacity of 2.5 million metric tons annually. It will receive EUR200 million in funding from the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the “Federal Funding for Industry and Climate Protection” program.
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