South Korea: POSCO, Hyundai Likely to Resume Operations Post Air Quality Improvement Measures

South Korea's major steel makers POSCO and Hyundai Steel are expecting resumption of operations after proceedings by The Ministry of Environment's public-private consultations body to improve air quality while operating Blast Furnace.

POSCO earlier stated the traditional blast furnaces (BF) have bleeder valves that have to be opened to let out the built-up pressure and reduce the chances of fire or blasts or related accidents while the BFs are in operation. Further there is no such technology in operation that could replace the set of operations improving on the environmental safety.

However as per the announcement by the govt. the steelmakers have to prepare a report mentioning opening date, time and measures to licensing agency, and also to invest on improving the environmental facilities and reduce dust emissions through improvised working methods.

Further the steelmakers have to submit a report on process improvement and breather valve operation plan once the reduction of dust emissions is achieved. After this the three local govt. in Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do shall proceed with the changes in notification process.

Thus, the earlier administrative punishment laid down by provincial govt for suspension of BF operations earlier on the grounds of emission of harmful gases while opening of the bleeder valves of BFs will be replaced by adopting other preventive measures to improve air quality and to adopt follow up measures discussed by public private consultations.

Meanwhie POSCO is going through the hearing procedure for discontinuing the operation of 2nd blast furnace in Gwangyang. Also in case of Pohang blast furnace the procedure of Gyeongsangbuk-do is scheduled and expected to follow as per procedure.

Source: Steel Daily