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Ukrainian Steelmaker Upgrades Blast Furnace, Adds Coal-Injection System

The US$60 million project, which began in 2014, included installation of the coal-injection unit, a coal storage facility, two mills capable of pulverizing 83 tons per hour, and power and ventilation systems.

“The resource-efficient technology in this new pulverized-coal injection system will enhance our productivity, decrease operating costs and reduce the amount of natural gas and coke used at blast furnace No. 9,” Kahlon said in a statement.

The project is one aspect of a broader US$1.2 billion to US$1.5 billion investment plan at Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine’s largest miner and steelmaker.

In addition to the coal injection system, the company plans to revamp the BOF shop and build new gas cleaning plants at blast furnaces Nos. 4, 5 and 6; refurbish the No. 5 and No. 6 coke oven batteries; refurbish the No. 6 and No. 9 blast furnaces and make intermediate repairs to the No. 7 and No. 8 furnaces; install a new continuous caster and ladle furnace; and refurbish a light-section mill.

The company said the goal is to preserve production volumes under tough market conditions, increase productivity and reduce the facility’s environmental impact.