Anyone who works in the steel and mining industry has probably always had a sense that what we do is important to society. But sometimes it takes a crisis to bring this point home. As we all cope with the current global pandemic, most of the states in which we operate have issued some form of stay-at-home restrictions and closed non-essential businesses. While many businesses provide various services that improve our daily lives, some are truly essential. Given the exceptionally vital role of mining and steel production in the U.S. economy, our business has been deemed essential by governments at all levels.
As the pandemic has unfolded in our country, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance to state and local governments on essential critical infrastructure, pointing out that a functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Rather than just recommending these industries keep operating, under safe conditions, they explained that these operations have a special responsibility.
Reading the description of “critical manufacturing” in the DHS guidance, it is difficult to imagine a critical industry without steel, mining and our supply chains: “Workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed for medical supply chains, and for supply chains associated with transportation, energy, communications, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, emergency services, and the defense industrial base.”
States have largely followed this guidance. In traditional steel production states like Indiana and Ohio, steel production and processing have been specifically exempted from stay-at-home orders. Likewise, iron ore mining is exempted in Minnesota and coal mining is exempted in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. If you live and work in one of these states, you understand even more personally how crucial our industry is to the manufacturing economy. While we all hope this crisis is temporary, the ongoing needs of defending our country are not diminished and the criticality of providing steel for medical equipment, food packaging, refrigeration, HVAC and infrastructure maintenance is heightened.
"As we take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves, our colleagues and our communities from exposure to the coronavirus, ArcelorMittal remains proud of the role we play in national security and as the bedrock of the manufacturing economy, particularly in servicing those industries on the frontlines of this crisis."
During this unprecedented time, we are committed to taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and well-being of our employees, contractors, vendors and customers. This includes significantly increased sanitization, social distancing, and health procedures throughout our offices and facilities.
I am extremely grateful for the dedication and diligence of our workforce. Our men and women understand the importance of their continued work due to the critical nature of our product. As we take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves, our colleagues and our communities from exposure to the coronavirus, ArcelorMittal remains proud of the role we play in national security and as the bedrock of the manufacturing economy, particularly in servicing those industries on the frontlines of this crisis.
