For Immediate Release

BETHLEHEM, Pa., April 22, 2002 - Bethlehem Steel Corporation's D blast furnace at its Burns Harbor, Ind., division experienced mechanical problems on April 19 that will result in an unplanned outage. No employees were injured in the incident.

The furnace was placed back in operation on April 20 while Bethlehem and Kvaerner Songer, a leading equipment supplier to the international steel industry, developed a plan for permanent repairs that will begin on April 25. The furnace was producing at a rate of 6,400 tons of iron per day. The outage will last between three and four weeks.

Until the D furnace returns to full production, Bethlehem will meet its steel needs by purchasing slabs and by increasing slab production at the corporation's Sparrows Point, Md., and Coatesville, Pa., operations.

Bethlehem will return D furnace to full production as soon as possible to minimize any disruption to its customers.

Media Contact:
Bette Kovach
610-694-6308
Public Affairs Department
Bethlehem Steel Corporation

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