Usiminas invests BRL 1.7 billion to rebuild Ipatinga coke plant

Usiminas started a new investment cycle at its Ipatinga industrial hub in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The steelmaker plans to invest approximately BRL 1.7 billion through 2029 to rebuild Battery 4 of Coke Plant 2. Commercial operations at the modernized unit are scheduled to begin that same year.

The engineering plan includes the full demolition of the existing Battery 4 structure and the construction of an upgraded replacement. The company expects the works to create around 800 jobs throughout the construction phase. With this project, Usiminas aims to restore its internal production capacity for coke and coke oven gas, reducing its historical reliance on third-party supplies.

Marcelo Chara, CEO of Usiminas, stated in a release that the move reinforces the commitment of the manufacturer and its controlling shareholder, Ternium, to domestic manufacturing and industrial employment. Chara noted that the new facility replaces an asset that was deactivated. He also reiterated calls for protection measures against international trade distortions.

The Battery 4 upgrade forms part of a broader investment program at the Ipatinga industrial park. The schedule also includes hot repairs on Battery 3 of Coke Plant 2, the rollout of a pulverized coal grinding and injection unit, and the construction of a new gas holder.