OREANDA-NEWS. October 4, 2011. Metinvest has identified 11 areas for reconstruction at its Yenakiieve Steel within the framework of the investment program aimed at technical development of the Group’s enterprises with total volume of investments over USD 1 bln. Key items of the technological strategy of Yenakiieve Steel development include construction of the new sintering factory, continuous casting machine and the new medium sections rolling mill, reconstruction of basic oxygen furnace shop and improvement of the energy complex reliability. Most of the program is focused on improving production efficiency and environmental activities targeted at reduction of atmospheric emissions.

Yenakiieve Steel technological development strategy is primarily focused on compliance with the strict environmental regulations and improved energy efficiency of production via cutting energy consumption by 25%. New process equipment will meet the best European practices and engage modern treatment plants.

In the sinter and blast furnace conversion, the new sintering factory along with pulverized coal injection unit (PCI) construction are the major activities in the program involving investments of over USD 400 mln and USD 100 mln, respectively.

We would like to note that within the framework of the New Sinter Plant Construction project large scale work has been undertaken by the enterprise specialists jointly with external experts for the most recent four years: Feasibility Study (FS) has been prepared involving the design institute and positive expert opinion has been obtained thereto.

To assure efficient steel production, it is planned to construct the third continuous casting machine in the converter shop. In order to meet the European environmental standards a set of gas treatment tracts replacements will be undertaken in the converter shop, as well.  

The enterprise plans to build the new medium sections mill "600", which will add to the existing Metinvest’s product range and assure high quality of Yenakiieve Steel products.

The energy system of the steel plant will also become more reliable. For in-house power generation, it is planned to set up the new turbine power generator and combined cycle gas turbine unit at the heat and power and steam and air blowing stations French company, Air Liquide, will construct the second air separation unit in order to supply industrial gases to the enterprise. 

"Improved production efficiency and full compliance to the environmental directives is the ultimate priority in the combat for the competitive edge of our enterprise, noted Alexander Podkorytov, the General Director of Yenakiieve Steel. – On the one hand we recognize the responsibility before the Region, on the other hand – strengthening positions in the markets of metal products with high added value will enable us to generate cash for the enterprise modernization. Anticipated commissioning of the new BF-3 planned for the nearest future is another proof of the direction chosen by the Company".