Concerns Mount Over Steel Plant Reopening After Suspension
A Member of Parliament is raising serious questions regarding the recent approval for a steel manufacturing plant to resume operations. The facility, which had been suspended for over 18 months following a significant explosion, fire, and numerous regulatory breaches discovered in 2024, was granted permission to reopen on June 5 by the Department of Industrial Works.
MP Atavit, joined by representatives from the Steel Traders Association, has voiced apprehension about the company’s “SKY” branded steel products. This particular steel has been implicated in the collapse of the under-construction State Audit Office building during an earthquake in March of the previous year. Investigations into the steel’s integrity for that project are reportedly ongoing, leading to public unease about the plant’s recommencement.
Questions Remain on Production Standards and Environmental Impact
While the company has reportedly taken steps to address safety issues in the aftermath of the fire, lingering doubts persist about current production standards. The plant utilizes an induction furnace steelmaking process, which is highly dependent on the quality of the scrap metal used as raw material. Experts emphasize that such operations necessitate a ladle refining furnace (LRF) to effectively remove impurities and guarantee the final steel quality.
Further scrutiny has been directed towards the environmental impact assessment documents. Reports suggest these documents indicated the presence of an LRF. However, during inspections conducted when the MP served as an adviser to former industry minister Akanat Promphan, no such refining furnace was found at the facility.
Allegations of Inadequate Inspections and Missing Certifications
The MP alleges that regulatory authorities may have failed to conduct thorough inspections of all furnaces before approving the plant’s reopening. Current ministry regulations reportedly mandate comprehensive testing for such approvals. Additionally, questions have been raised as to why the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, an organization previously involved in product certification, has not conducted recent quality testing for the facility.
