Metz (AFP)

ArcelorMittal announced Monday during a CSE the possible closure from 2022-2023 of the coking plant at the Florange site (Moselle), already marked by the closure of the blast furnaces, we learned from management.

For several months, rumors have been circulating about the closure of the site's coking plant, which employs 230 to 250 people.

"Given the investment plan envisaged to reduce our CO2 emissions by more than 30% by 2030, the need for coke should decrease and the Dunkirk site could be self-sufficient in the short term (2022-2023 ) ", the steel group said in a statement.

"The use of the Florange coking plant, initially planned until 2032, could be called into question," he added.

The industrial installation is criticized locally for its polluting emissions.

"On the one hand, we are relieved, because there is no announcement immediately, but it is not impossible that the coking plant will close in 2022 and there will be serious reorganizations in the company "reacted to AFP Frédéric Weber, FO delegate ArcelorMittal in Florange, where 2,300 people work.

The management ensures that, "in view of the demographic prospects of our company, we already know that we would have the means to propose a new professional project internally to each employee of the coking plant".

"ArcelorMittal has innovative projects, but we are going to remain vigilant, we want people to remain at the heart of the business and that this be done in a socially acceptable and human manner", added Frédéric Weber.

During the central social and economic committee (CSEc), ArcelorMittal presented to the staff representatives its strategic orientations revolving around four axes: innovation, digitalization, reduction of CO2 emissions and improvement of industrial performance.

The steel giant posted a net loss of $ 2.5 billion in 2019, amid falling steel prices. Its sales amounted to $ 70.6 billion, down 7.1% and slightly lower than the consensus established by the financial agency Bloomberg ($ 71 billion).

ArcelorMittal had announced in December 2018 the definitive closure of the emblematic blast furnaces of the Florange plant, which employed 600 people when they were put under cocoon, in spring 2013. The temporary cessation of crude steel production had poisoned the Holland Five Years Begins.

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