Algoma Steel Group Inc. said that five workers were taken to the hospital after an incident that occurred Wednesday night at the northern foundry of its blast furnace complex.

The company continued that it believes the slag may have come into contact with moisture in the hot iron pit, affecting 12 workers, including five who were treated at the Sault Area Hospital and have since been released. The incident comes after the collapse of a structure supporting utility pipes at Algoma's coke-making plant last month, which caused the blast furnace to stop operating.

Algoma added that the foundry incident had no impact on the blast furnace recovery, and its return to full production remains on track.

It is noted that the company produces hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets and plates.