The mining and metallurgical group Metinvest plans to expand its product portfolio in terms of DR-rolled products (iron ore direct reduction DR-rolled products – IF-U) for the production of “green” steel and premium raw materials for pig iron production.
According to a press release, as part of this large-scale program to increase DR-pellet production, which Metinvest is launching, the construction of a flotation and finishing complex for the production of concentrate to ensure the quality characteristics of raw materials for DR pellets and the reconstruction of the existing LURGI 552-A pellet production line are expected.
It is reported that on December 1 of this year, Metinvest Sichstal, a group company that implements its strategic investment projects, signed an agreement with the leading Austrian company Primetals Technologies for the development of basic engineering for the reconstruction of the LURGI 552-A production line. This will be the first stage of the roasting machine’s modernization, which is planned to be completed by the end of 2026.
It is noted that the global trend towards “green” metallurgy, the development of steel production in electric furnaces, and changes in consumption in China and the EU are driving demand for high-quality iron ore raw materials (IORM). To strengthen its competitiveness in the global IRR markets, Metinvest intends to improve the quality of the concentrate used in its production.
“The concentrate from Northern GOK has good potential for quality improvement. After enrichment using flotation technology, we will be able to obtain a product with an iron content of at least 70% and a minimum proportion of impurities – silicon and aluminum oxides of no more than 2%. This opens up the possibility of producing high-quality pellets,” said Sergey Pavlish, Deputy Director of Programs at Metinvest Sichstal.
In order to enter the high-margin DR pellet market, along with the enrichment of ordinary concentrate, it is planned to reconstruct the technological line for the production of pellets for the LURGI 552-A roasting machine. This will enable the manufacture of products with improved characteristics that meet consumer requirements and market trends.
As a result of the implementation of the program, which will consist of these two projects, it is planned to produce about 4 million tons/year of DR pellets at the Northern GOK. The possibility of producing BF HQ class pellets is also envisaged. (Blast Furnace High Quality refers to high-quality iron ore pellets specially designed for use in blast furnace (BF) production with a high iron content and low impurity content, making them an ideal raw material for iron (DR) production, capable of ensuring a more efficient and environmentally friendly process – IF-U).
“The design stage will include the use of modern energy-saving technologies. And the new process control system will allow the line to be reconfigured for the production of any of these types of pellets,” explains project manager Andriy Panchenko, whose words are quoted in the report.
Metinvest Sichstal LLC (MSS) is a company within the Metinvest Group for the implementation of highly complex strategic investment projects, established in 2019.
MSS is one of the largest project organizations in Ukraine, capable of implementing large projects, from conceptual design to commissioning. The company’s goal is to implement key projects in the technological strategy of Metinvest Group companies. MCC provides an integrated process from investment idea, engineering, and design to procurement, construction, and commissioning.
Metinvest B.V. (Netherlands) owns a 100% stake in Metinvest Sichstal LLC.
The LLC’s authorized capital is UAH 30.405 million.
Metinvest Sichstal LLC is part of the Metinvest Group, whose main shareholders are System Capital Management (SCM, Donetsk) (71.24%) and the Smart Holding group of companies (23.76%). The managing company of the Metinvest Group is Metinvest Holding LLC.
