Arcelor Mittal’s Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine is refurbishing Europe’s largest blast furnace No 9 with an investment of $270mn. The reconstruction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The contract for the reconstruction of the furnace with CISDI UK was signed in 2019 and will extend the unit’s life for 20 years. The process will require the 35mt high, 9,200mt daily cast iron unit to stop operating in 2021. Installation for equipment and storage facilities is underway.
The unit will also produce pellets from the construction of a new pelletizing factory upon recommissioning. Pig iron production will rise to 12,500mt daily. To date, the furnace produces more than half of all pig iron at the plant.
The company notes the reconstruction of the blast furnace and construction of the pelletizing plant as essential in the company’s environmental sustainability plan.
Total energy consumption via gas, coal, and coke will decline, thereby, reducing the cost of cast iron production. The reconfiguration will also improve cooling processes and reduce water consumption. The closed, horizontal foundry process will also reduce dust and other aerial pollutants.