24 October 2017
The ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. Pellet Plant in Port-Cartier Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence
Port-Cartier, October 24, 2017 – ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. is proud to announce that the company is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of its Port-Cartier pellet plant this October. The construction work that began in June 1975 required no fewer than 50 contractors and up to 2500 workers. A major project for the North Shore and all of Québec, our world-class plant was started up in the week of October 17 to 23, 1977, and the first pellets were cooked on November 29, 1977.
Currently, we produce four types of iron oxide pellets: Mines Canada pellet (BMC), self-fluxed pellet (BAF), low silica pellet (BBS) and blast furnace pellet (BHF). This production is found in steel mills worldwide, mainly in Europe and North America. In all these markets, the ArcelorMittal Group remains our biggest customer, particularly our sister divisions in Canada: ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada in Contrecœur, Québec, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, Ontario.
Several innovations emerged at our plant and many research and development efforts kept us among the leaders in production and quality. Originally designed for a production capacity of 6 million tonnes of pellets, it has increased its production by 66%, and we project over 10 million tonnes of production in 2017. One thing that makes us proud: the quality of our products is recognized worldwide and the compliance of our pellet shipments is within a few hundredths of perfection.
“If our pellet plant has reached this production level and this product quality, this undoubtedly is thanks to our people – a team with undeniable expertise who have succeeded in creating the culture of rigour, commitment, pride and innovation that characterizes us,” affirmed Pierre Lapointe, President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. “Along with the investments, many process improvement and modification projects have been carried out over the years by our incomparable team,” Mr. Lapointe added.
In 2016, with Québec government assistance, we began a pilot project for energy conversion to liquefied natural gas. The migration from conventional energy sources to the use of fuels with a smaller carbon footprint is part of our intentions. In addition, our maintenance team in the plant’s Agglomeration Sector recently was honoured with the 2017 OHS Grand Prize for the North Shore region in the Large Enterprise category, for the “Roof Fan” project.
Bravo to all our people who, over the past 40 years, have contributed safely to our pellet plant’s success and fame.
About ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P.
ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. produces iron oxide concentrate and pellets for the steel market. The company is part of the mining sector of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company and one of the top 5 producers of iron ore worldwide.