ArcelorMittal Italia says it will continue to manage the Taranto plant protected by the latest decree law published by the Italian government this week. The new law amends the so-called ‘Crescita’ decree law which had removed legal protection pending the implementation of the environmental plan for the Taranto site.
Following its publication, the decree law comes into immediate force, although its permanence is subject to ratification by the Italian Parliament within 60 days. As a result of this development, ArcelorMittal Italia will continue operations at the site beyond 6 September. It will continue meanwhile to monitor legal, regulatory and operational developments in relation to the Taranto plant closely in view of its continued viability, the company says.
“The new decree means that, at least for the moment, we are able to continue to manage the Taranto plant beyond 6 September. However, we continue to evaluate its potential impact. Now we have to face the court order for the shut down of blast furnace number 2. The Extraordinary Commissioners of Ilva who are responsible for the matter have presented a new appeal to the Court of Taranto. I hope a solution will be reached that allows us to continue to operate the three blast furnaces that are essential for the long-term sustainability of the Taranto plant”, ArcelorMittal Italia ceo Matthieu Jehl says in a company note sent to Kallanish.
