Algoma Steel has produced the first heat of liquid steel from its second electric arc furnace, advancing the Canadian steelmaker’s transition to a two-furnace EAF platform. The first heat was subsequently processed into finished hot-rolled coil as the company moves toward increased production for infrastructure, construction, defense, and other markets.
The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based steel producer completed first arc testing of EAF Unit Two during the third quarter. The unit produced its first heat on October 9, and ramp-up activities are underway, with the furnace expected to contribute to production and shipments during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The milestone follows the August restart of the EAF steelmaking at the facility after an unplanned outage at Algoma’s Lake Superior Power generating facility temporarily suspended production. As Heat Treat Today previously reported, EAF production resumed August 29 under interim operating arrangements while work continued to restore full generating capacity. At the time, construction of EAF Unit Two was nearing completion.
EAF Unit One continues to operate on a 24-hour-per-day schedule and is producing a range of plate and hot-rolled coil product grades. With both units in place, Algoma is working to ramp up the two-unit EAF platform toward full production capacity. The facility is expected to have approximately 3.7 million tons of annual raw steel production capacity following completion of the EAF tranformation.
Algoma permanently halted its legacy blast furnace operations in January 2026 and is now sourcing its liquid steel production from the EAF platform. The company projects that the transition will reduce annual carbon emissions by approximately 70% compared with pre-EAF levels.
Press release is available in its original form here.
