Choice of process route in steelmaking

Efficient electric arc operation is defined in terms of technical performance, responsiveness to local input prices, size of plant, and metallurgical achievements. The most efficient arc steelmakers are in high cost locations. In Europe blast furnace-BOS is a lower cost route to most steels. Electric arc plants will become larger in scale and more capital intensive, integrating backwards into scrap preparation. Electric arc steelmaking remains vulnerable to BOS competition but larger scrap-based steelworks will survive, making a more limited product range.