ArcelorMittal South Africa, South Africa's largest steelmaker, has decided to delay the closure of two of its steel plants by six months after the government gave it a 1.68 billion rand ($91 million) loan and promised to address the industry's problems.
The provided loan will allow the company to temporarily refrain from laying off 3,500 workers. Over the next six months, the South African government plans to stabilize the situation in the national steel industry and create the necessary conditions for its efficient operation.
South Africa's steel industry has faced serious challenges in recent years, caused by an influx of cheap imports, soaring energy prices and unstable rail services.