BHP plans steel mill

Press, 23 August 1984, Page 24

BHP plans steel mill

NZPA Melbourne The Broken Hill Pty Company, Ltd, plans to build a mini steel mill in Queensland with a probable 250,000 tonnes a year capacity. RHP’s steel division, general manager, Mr David Rice, said that initially a steel rolling mill would be built at cost of ?Aust4oM to produce a range of merchant and reinforcing bar products using semi-finished steel billets supplied from elsewhere. Mr Rice said the mill would be expanded in a second development stage to produce other product lines and to meet its own steel requirements through the installation of electric furnace and continuous casting facilities. T Mr Rice said mill Jcapa-

city had yet to be finalised although initially production would be matched to local demand which would be less than full capacity. He said BHP was investigating a number of possible sites, including land which could be available on the Queensland Government industrial estate at Lytton. The first stage of the development would be commissioned as soon as possible and would employ nearly 100 people. Mr Rice said BHP welcomed the opportunity to establish a modern, viable steel enterprise in Queensland which will would not only be a considerable benefit to the State’s manufacturing industry but also ensure that the Australian steel industry is developed competitively.