Blast Furnace
A visitor who climbs blast furnace No. 5 today can hardly imagine that the gigantic plant was still in operation until 1985. It had only been started up in 1973 and its modern cooling system and stoves satisfied high environmental standards.
The steel quota decisions of the European Iron and Steel Community where the reason why the furnace was shut down. On 4 April 1985 after a history of 82 years full of hopes and disappointments, the Meiderich mill was closed. Blast furnace No. 5 remained "ready for a new blow-in". Following massive protests the plant was not demolished, but protected as an industrial monument. The mill provides today a hands-on experience of the art of iron making and visitors flock to the tower of blast furnace No. 5 which commands an outstanding view of Duisburg and its environment.
