Sweden-based SSAB has resumed construction activities at its Lulea transformation project following an investigation into illness symptoms reported by workers earlier this year.
The company said an extensive analysis involving more than 200,000 measurements found no concentrations above applicable limit values. According to SSAB, the symptoms were primarily linked to exposure to fine dust particles generated during construction activities, with the effects amplified by low humidity and seasonal respiratory viruses.
Construction work, which was suspended in early April, is being restarted in phases following risk assessments and consultations with contractors, unions, and relevant authorities. SSAB said the temporary suspension is not expected to have any significant impact on the project’s schedule or budget.
Separately, SSAB announced that production at its new electric arc furnace (EAF) in Oxelosund is now expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027 after appeals related to the project’s powerline connection were withdrawn.
Construction of the powerline, which is being developed by Vattenfall Eldistribution to supply electricity to the new EAF, had been halted in April due to appeals concerning species protection. With the appeals withdrawn, construction has resumed, allowing the project to move forward.
The Oxelosund transformation project is a key part of SSAB’s strategy to increase production of low-carbon steel and is expected to reduce Sweden’s carbon dioxide emissions by around 3pct, according to the company.
SSAB is a producer of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and quenched and tempered (Q&T) steel products, with an annual crude steel production capacity of approximately 8.8 mln tons across operations in Sweden, Finland, and the United States.