UK Secures Raw Materials for British Steel Operations

The UK government has secured the immediate future of steelmaking at British Steel's Scunthorpe plant by funding and facilitating the arrival of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke from Australia, with additional shipments of more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines due from Sweden. These raw materials will ensure the operation of both blast furnaces for the coming months, safeguarding thousands of jobs and supporting national security and infrastructure development. The intervention follows the government’s emergency takeover of British Steel from its previous Chinese owner and is part of a broader plan to sustain the domestic steel sector. The government emphasized its commitment to British workers and industry, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stating the move allows workers and their families to 'breathe a sigh of relief.' Alongside the raw materials, British Steel has appointed new executives, including an interim Chief Operating Officer and HR Director, to strengthen its leadership during this transition. The funding for these measures comes from the Department for Business and Trade’s existing budget.