Electric arc furnaces need regulated scrap supply, urges report
A coalition of UK steel producers and the metal recycling industry calls for government action to support the industrial supply chain.
It is calling for investment in domestic scrap processing infrastructure, such as shredding, screening and refining to meet electric arc furnace (EAF)-grade standards.
The report notes that recent government action on energy process is positive, but pushes for action to address cost disparities between domestic and export markets, creating fairer market conditions.
The report states that The UK produces approximately 10Mt of scrap per annum. Currently, over 80% of that resource is exported and much of that material then returns to the UK in the form of finished goods.
The coalition is calling for national definitions and standards for EAF-grade steel scrap, ensuring consistency and reliability across the supply chain and a modernisation of regulatory oversight, including unified licensing and inspections for recyclers.
It also asks that metal recovery recyclers be included in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, to reduce energy costs and support product and market transformation.
The report by the Circular Steel Sub-Committee of the trade body, UK Steel, entitled Circular Steel: Strengthening the UK’s Industrial Supply Chain, is available online.
