April 2024 | The World Steel Association (worldsteel) announces the new World Champions of the 18th steelChallenge. Wei Li Bu from HBIS in China won in the industry category and Srinivasan Dhamaraj from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad in India won in the student category.
The World Championship of the 18th steelChallenge took place on 9 April 2024 in London, UK. The best players of the Regional Championship from the industry and student categories competed for the global title. The challenge was to produce wire rod, used to make steel cord for car tyre reinforcement, at the lowest cost using steeluniversity’s electric arc furnace and secondary steelmaking courses in a combined simulation. To reflect the steel industry’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations, there were carbon footprint requirements for the steel grade.
Jorge Muract, Director, steeluniversity for worldsteel, comments:
“steelChallenge-18 embodies a transformative journey, one that transcends traditional boundaries to create a truly unique and enriching experience. It’s a platform where the convergence of digital innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility is reshaping the future of steelmaking. We would like to thank all our participants for joining us on this remarkable learning expedition. Your dedication, creativity and passion have not only elevated the steel industry, but also inspired countless others to join in the pursuit of excellence and sustainability.”
Wei Li Bu, the World Champion in the industry category for 2024, says:
“It’s such an honour to have won the steelChallenge World Championship. It’s been very gratifying to have had the opportunity to test myself against other young industry professionals and to have come out on top. I look forward to returning to my company with my head held high. Thank you to steeluniversity for the opportunity.”
More information is available on the steeluniversity website.
Background
steeluniversity is the education and training programme of the World Steel Association, delivering education and training to current and future employees of steel companies and related. steelChallenge is a game-based blended learning programme recognised by the global steel community as the preeminent competition to engage students and industry professionals to showcase their ability to make steel with the best quality at the lowest cost.
The steelChallenge-18 is sponsored at the ‘Steel’ level by Alacero, Danieli, HBIS Group and POSCO. Gerdau and JSW are ‘Gold’ level sponsors. Emirates Steel Arkan, Korean Iron & Steel Association (KOSA), Tata Steel and Ternium are ‘Silver’ level sponsors. ArcelorMittal, HAADEED-SABIC, JFE Steel and Tenaris are ‘Bronze’ level sponsors.
The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world, with members in every major steel-producing country. worldsteel represents steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. Members represent around 85% of global steel production.