Major steel mills in southeastern Turkey are resuming operations after production was halted earlier due to devastating earthquakes.
According to the Turkish Steel Industry Association, almost all factories in the cities of Iskenderun and Osmaniye are restarting operations.
The factories are close to the epicentre of the quakes but suffered no damage. However, many employees or their relatives were killed in the disaster. People were also unable to come to work due to the disaster. In addition, factory machines and equipment were used for rescue and repair work.
The factories account for about a third of Turkey’s steel production capacity. Steel factories elsewhere in Turkey have started producing more to compensate for the loss of production. A lot of steel will be needed for reconstruction in the affected area.
Turkey is among the top ten largest producers and exporters of steel.