The final blast furnace at Tata’s Port Talbot steelworks in Wales is set to shut down today, marking the end of an era at the site. After a gradual winding down process, blast furnace four is scheduled to stop operating on Monday, September 30, alongside other iron and steelmaking assets at the facility. This closure will lead to significant job losses with 1,900 positions being cut at Port Talbot and additional roles affected at other Tata UK operations, including those in Wales.
While the second remaining blast furnace ceased operations back in July, it is the shutting down of this final furnace that will have the most immediate impact on the workforce. The transition is part of a larger plan to switch to recycling previously used steel, with the site expected to start producing steel again in 2027 using an electric arc furnace that recycles scrap metal. The complete shutdown of the blast furnace is anticipated to be finalised by 5 pm on Monday.
Ahead of the closure, Tata has been preparing residents for potential noise disturbances and visible changes. Dean Cartwright, the works manager for coke, sinter, and iron, assured the community that the process involves reducing raw materials within the furnace, resulting in steam emissions and distinctive sounds. This standard procedure may lead to larger plumes of steam and ‘whooshing’ noises, which are expected and should not cause alarm.
The Community Union, which represents workers at the Port Talbot site, highlighted the significance of the day as Blast Furnace 4 closes its operations. General Secretary Roy Rickhuss emphasised the closure as the end of an era for blast furnace steelmaking in the region but expressed a commitment to continue advocating for the steel industry and the communities it supports in South Wales.
The closure of the blast furnace is viewed as a pivotal moment impacting not only the steelworkers and their families but also the broader community and economy. The shift towards more sustainable steel production methods reflects the evolving landscape of the industry and the challenges it faces. As the final blast furnace is shut down, it marks a bittersweet milestone in the history of Tata’s steelworks in Port Talbot.