It is perhaps an understatement to say that we live in an uncertain world with tariffs adding a new dimension to an already troubled steel market. Most countries’ steel industries have state support for what is considered to be “critical steel” production which of course raises the argument about unfair business practices and tariffs to try and support local industries.

Here in the UK, Port Talbot has closed its blast furnace and the project to install an electric arc furnace to produce steel is in progress and will take around two years to complete. Meanwhile, as I write this article, the UK government is considering all options, up to and including nationalisation, to save Scunthorpe’s last two remaining blast furnaces and the UK’s last producer of virgin steel. The current owners say it is not viable in competition with steel plants elsewhere in the world. Clearly this is a difficult time for primary steel and, by connection, the refractories industry, and is a problem mirrored in other countries wrestling with maintaining a workable steel industry.

The IRE’s council is continuing to try and increase value to members. As such we are organising another Technical Evening following the success of last year’s event. We are hoping to organise another during the summer depending on member’s support. Also, due in June, is the return of the Golf Day. Hopefully, this will prove as popular as initial interest in the event would suggest. We are also working on the UK’s big event: the IRE Annual Conference/Training Day and Dinner. 

This year we are returning to Sheffield and will be hosting it at the newly refurbished Quays Hotel, set next to the canal marina; this is only a ten-minute walk to the city centre and just 1km from the train station and very convenient for those who drive there. Delegates will have preferential rates at the hotel if booked at least two months beforehand. Council is already working on the program and a call for papers will be issued shortly. In addition to the planned training event, Council is also working on what additional training provisions should be considered and will be canvassing member’s opinions over the coming months.

Mike Lamkin, President
Institute of Refractories Engineers

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