OREANDA-NEWS. Azovstal has started dismantling its sintering facility, which was shutdown in 2012. This represents another step toward Metinvest Group's goal of making steel production in Mariupol more environmentally friendly.

As part of Metinvest Group's initiative to reduce the impact of steel operations on the environment of Mariupol, a decision to shut down Azovstal's sintering facility two years ago was a significant milestone as it enabled the company to reduce harmful emissions by 30 percent and improve air quality in the city. In addition, it resulted in a 10 percent reduction in industrial wastewater discharged to the Sea of Azov through sludge collectors.

Azovstal moved to the next stage of this project one month ago by beginning to dismantle the metal structures and buildings of the sintering facility. The company's specialists estimate that the dismantling of the facility will generate 7,900 tons of scrap. Making use of this scrap by recycling it results in costs savings since it can be used as an input that is 3.5 times less expensive than buying new raw materials.

The company's workers are currently dismantling the gas treatment facility and then they will proceed to the sintering facility building.

"Metinvest Group is fully complying with its commitment to Mariupol residents to make steel production in Mariupol more modern and environmentally friendly," said Azovstal General Director Enver Tskitishvili. "Azovstal has already dismantled its open-hearth furnaces and coke batteries. To allay the concerns of Mariupol residents, we are dismantling the sintering facility, which for decades has had a major impact on the environment of Mariupol. In this way, we want to make a point on this issue. The company's specialists are gradually bringing the company to a new level in terms of environmental impact. We are implementing all plans and potential projects connected to protecting the environment and doing everything we can to improve the quality of Mariupol's air."