Last Wednesday, 13 May, the start-up of ArcelorMittal’s blast furnace at the Gijón steelworks was successfully completed, a milestone that reinforces Iturcemi’s position as a leader in advanced engineering solutions for the steel industry. The work, which began on 7 May, took place over a week of intense technical activity in which collaboration between specialist teams was key to the outcome.
Proprietary technology at the service of industry
The method employed—start-up support using an oxygen lance—was entirely designed, manufactured and commissioned by Iturcemi for ArcelorMittal Asturias. This solution optimises one of the most critical and complex operations in the steelmaking process: the reactivation of a blast furnace following a prolonged shutdown. The oxygen lance and its associated skid represent a technological development that combines engineering precision, industrial robustness and adaptability to real operating conditions.
High-level technical collaboration
Throughout the process, the Iturcemi team worked closely with ArcelorMittal’s blast furnace specialists. Our technicians contributed their specific expertise in oxy-lance operation, advising on key decisions and ensuring that each phase of the start-up was carried out in accordance with optimal safety and efficiency parameters. This synergy between the client’s in-depth knowledge of their facilities and Iturcemi’s technical expertise in the support system proved decisive for the success of the operation.
A shared success with a real impact
The completion of the work will allow ArcelorMittal Asturias to resume normal blast furnace production in the coming days, which has a direct impact on the operational continuity of one of the most important steelworks in northern Spain. For Iturcemi, this project represents a further demonstration of our ability to tackle highly complex industrial challenges with our own solutions and highly qualified teams.
At Iturcemi, we remain committed to developing technology that meets the real needs of industry, supporting our clients in the most demanding operations. This successful start-up is not just a technical achievement: it is the result of years of investment in R&D, specialised talent and a working philosophy based on collaboration and excellence.
Iturcemi. Engineering that drives industry forward.