In 2024, facing the challenges of the downturn in the steel industry, all Baosteel employees maintained strategic focus, overcame difficulties, and took solid steps towards high-quality development. In 2025, with a strong emphasis on action, Baosteel Co., Ltd. closely aligned with the key work goals of the group company, adhered to the principles of "Four Modernizations" and "Four Haves," continuously improved core competitiveness, enhanced core functions, and remained steadfast in achieving the top domestic industry performance. With a spirited "first battle of the new year," the company sounded the charge to accelerate the construction of a world-class enterprise.

### Non-oriented Silicon Steel Achieves Full-range Tundish Exchange and Continuous Casting

In the continuous casting process, "tundish exchange" ensures production continuity, serving as a critical link for efficiency. This process not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces production costs. However, due to the process characteristics, high-grade non-oriented silicon steel generally does not undergo tundish exchange and continuous casting.

To address the current industry situation, Wuhan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. (WISCO) clearly recognized that dual-machine silicon steel and medium-to-high-grade non-oriented silicon steel tundish exchange and continuous casting were previously unthinkable and untested. Now, the situation forces us to innovate and break through in terms of processes and technologies! To this end, WISCO's steelmaking plant, guided by the "2+8" management reform, challenged extreme efficiency and continued to innovate in profitable silicon steel products, setting high-grade non-oriented silicon steel tundish exchange and continuous casting as a key target.

Technological innovation is not achieved overnight, and tackling challenges is not easy. Every aspect and every link faces significant challenges, and even minor oversights could lead to failure. The team conducted in-depth analysis of previous production data, continuously summarized and proactively improved based on test results, optimized production parameters, and gradually overcame the difficulties of tundish exchange. The operation area actively practiced "PDCA+ diligence," releasing the vitality of simulated operations to every team and every position. All employees maintained a high-spirited and determined attitude, overcoming each difficulty of tundish exchange and continuous casting one by one. The continuous casting process remained stable and controlled, and all tundish exchange and continuous casting tests were successful.

Recently, non-oriented silicon steel achieved full-range tundish exchange and continuous casting, marking a successful start to the new year and injecting strong momentum for Baosteel Co., Ltd. to reach higher levels in the silicon steel production field.

Those who aim high succeed, and those who tackle difficulties advance. Pursuing extreme efficiency and moving forward with innovation, Baosteel Co., Ltd. WISCO will continue to uphold the business philosophy of "innovation-driven development." With the full-range tundish exchange and continuous casting of non-oriented silicon steel as a significant breakthrough, the company will accelerate the research and development of key process technologies, striving tirelessly for high-quality development!