Platts Global Metals Awards recognize achievements in steel, metals

Companies and individuals from four continents have been honored with the 2014 Platts Global Metals Awards for achievements in the steel, metals, and mining industries, focusing on advancements in sustainability, operational excellence, social responsibility, and financial performance.

LanzaTech received the Breakthrough Innovation of the Year Award for its advancements in biotechnology that are benefiting the steelmaking industry. Founded in New Zealand and based in the U.S., the company developed a proprietary natural gas fermentation microbe that transforms carbon-rich waste gases from industrial sources, such as steel mills, into fuel-grade ethanol and other chemicals.

Gerdau Long Steel North America won the Corporate Social Responsibility Award. Based in Florida, the supplier of specialty long steel is a leader in community involvement programs, which have been fueled since 2005 by its philanthropic arm, Gerdau Institute. In 2012 the institute invested $52.7 million in projects that drew voluntary participation of more than 9,500 employees.

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. won the Metals Mover of the Year Award. The California-based firm was recognized for its financial performance; its track record for safe, speedy delivery of materials; and its customer service, resulting in repeat customers accounting for 96 percent of 2013 orders.

Georgia-based aluminum producer and recycler Novelis Inc. received the Industry Leadership Award--Aluminum for its earnings performance; advances in the recycling and automotive sectors; and demonstrated commitment to product inventions, such as the first high-recycled-content aluminum sheet for cans.

Upstate Shredding LLC received the Industry Leadership Award--Scrap & Recycling. The New York-based scrap processor was recognized for achieving profitability for 30 consecutive quarters, as well as bolstering its conservation efforts and receiving notable environmental certifications.

ArcelorMittal won the Industry Leadership Award--Steel for its top financial results, having the industry’s best safety record, and its acquisition of ThyssenKrupp Steel USA with partner Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. The company also was recognized for its pioneering of high-strength, energy-efficient steel grades.