ArcelorMittal is attempting to restart blast furnace B at its Gijón, Spain facility using oxypropane technology & dual burning bars to extract solidified pig iron. The furnace has remained dormant since last summer's maintenance shutdown following a failed September restart. Oxypropane generates flame temperatures exceeding 2,800°C to melt obstructions, though the drilling process inflicts significant wear on the furnace crucible. Workers' representatives indicate production could stabilize between late January & early February 2026 if the intervention succeeds, alongside initial pig iron smelting anticipated by late December. Management denied plans to cool & empty the furnace, citing prohibitive costs & three-month timelines.