Blast Furnace-4 of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant, named ‘Annapurna’, successfully commenced hot metal separation on 30 July 2026 after a prolonged hibernation and successive blowing-in operations. The restart marks an important milestone for the plant’s iron-making unit and is expected to strengthen hot metal production capability.
It is noteworthy that, the blowing-in of BF-4 was inaugurated by Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, RSP, on 23 July 2026 in the presence of Executive Directors, Chief General Managers, senior officials of RSP, and employees of the Blast Furnace Department. The furnace had earlier commenced its sixth campaign after relining on 8 September 2020 and was blown down on 5 July 2024. Following an extended shutdown, it underwent shotcreting and other repair activities and was readied for restart in July 2026.
After completion of the blowing-in protocol and connection of tuyeres, slag separation began, followed by metal separation, thus completing the process successfully. The restart of Blast Furnace-4 is expected to further improve operational efficiency and contribute significantly to the overall performance of Rourkela Steel Plant.
