Metalloinvest, a leading manufacturer and supplier of iron ore products and hot briquetted iron (HBI) in the world market, one of the regional producers of high-quality steel, has begun modernization of the first hot briquetted iron production plant (TsGBZh-1) at Lebedinsky mining and processing plant.
Completion of the project is scheduled for early 2023. It is planned to increase the productivity of TsGBZh-1 by more than 10%. At the same time, the metallurgical value of the products will be increased: metallization and carbon content will be increased.
The contract for the modernization of the HBI-1 was signed with Tenova HYL (the world leader in the field of direct reduction technologies, part of Tenova). She will provide engineering services and consulting, supply of main and auxiliary equipment.
The existing HYL process flowsheet will be supplemented with two modern oxygen injection distributors, as well as an additional boiler for steam generation, absorber, CO2 scrubbing system pumps, fuel gas buffer tank and other units.
“Metalloinvest is the main supplier of hot briquetted iron in the world: the Company's share in the HBI product market exceeds 50%. The capacities for the production of this type of metallized products are concentrated at Lebedinsky GOK, - noted the managing director of the enterprise Oleg Mikhailov. "The modernization of the first unit is an example of strategic decisions that allow our Company to strengthen its leadership position in the industry."
“The reliability of our technology and an open, professional dialogue with the client were key factors in a positive decision on this contract,” said Stefano Maggiolino, President and CEO of Tenova HYL. “We are looking forward to working with the Metalloinvest team for the successful implementation of the project.”
The capacity of the HBI-1 workshop, commissioned at Lebedinsky GOK in 2001, allows the production of more than 1 million tons of HBI briquettes annually. In total, the three HBI workshops at Lebedinsky GOK ensure the production of more than 4.5 million tons of briquettes per year.
Hot briquetted iron is a raw material for the production of high quality steel. The direct reduction of iron process used in the production of HBI is the most environmentally friendly of all methods of obtaining iron from ore today. There are no emissions associated with the production of coke, sinter and pig iron, and solid waste in the form of slag.
