Coke production in Zenica began in 1955 with four smaller Coke batteries, which stopped working in 1992. One of the batteries that was put into operation in 1982 and that did not work between 1992 and 2008 is one of the few batteries in the world that has been restarted after a long period of standing (16 years). ArcelorMittal Zenica returned it to work in 2008. Significant efforts to maintain it over the past ten years have not been enough to extend its lifetime. Thus, the operation of this Coke battery was permanently suspended on April 25/26, 2024, which was a decisive moment for the permanent cloasure of the complete Coke plant.
The process of suspending the work of coke plant passed without a single incident. On this occasion, on June 5, 2024, a Lifetime Achievement Recognition Ceremony was held for the workers who participated in the process of suspending the work of coke battery.
Besides the local management, led by CEO Nikhil Mehta, the event was attended via video call by David M. Fernandez, a member of the GTSO team who participated in the process; Henry Reding, Director of H&S in ArcelorMittal Europe – Long products (AM LPE), Nico Devahtere, COO in AM LEP; Sanjay Samaddar, CEO of AM LPE. They expressed great gratitude and appreciation in their addresses to this hardworking and dedicated team.
During the ceremony, a video of the work on the Coke Plant was shown, as a lasting memory of this plant and its workers. CEO Nikhil Mehta, along with the AMZ Union President, Rašid Fetić, the Director of Coke plant Azemin Sarajlić and managers, presented medals and awards to the awarded workers.
