A new MD-12 deslimer was installed at the Central Mining for over UAH 11 million

Central Mining and Processing Plant (Central GOK) has completed the installation of a new MD-12 deslagrator at its concentrator. Investments in the equipment modernization amounted to more than UAH 11 million. This project is part of the 2024 investment program aimed at improving the efficiency of production processes, Metinvest.Media reports.

Deslimers are used in the iron ore beneficiation process to separate empty non-magnetic particles from the main product. The new MD-12 replaced the previous equipment, which no longer met production requirements.

When replacing the deslimer, the specialists temporarily switched power lines to avoid interrupting the production process. The old equipment was dismantled in several stages. In particular, the motors, gearboxes, main bridge, shaft, rake and descaler vat were removed. Due to its large size, the old vat had to be dismantled in parts using a crane.

The installation of the new deslagger also required close coordination. The most difficult stage was the installation of the bridge, which was carried out simultaneously by two cranes. Thanks to the high qualifications of crane operators Yulia Nikonenko and Oksana Bayrak, the installation was completed without any complications.

Before the equipment was launched, hydraulic tests were carried out to confirm the strength of the structure. According to Olexander Sidletsky, head of the concentrator, the modernization will allow the plant to more effectively implement its production plans for 2025.

“The MD-12 No. 11 deslimer is already operating according to the main technological scheme, and this gives us confidence in the further stable operation of the plant,” Sidletsky summarized.

Over the past year, Central GOK has been increasing its production capacity and ended the year at almost 100% capacity utilization. In particular, the Kolachevsky mine reached its planned productivity. In addition, the company actively worked to reduce energy intensity and production costs by introducing innovative energy-efficient technologies.

In Q3 2024, Metinvest reduced its production of iron ore concentrate (total) by 17% quarter-on-quarter – to 3.35 million tons. Production of saleable iron ore products for the period amounted to 3.23 million tonnes (-15% q/q), including 1.85 million tonnes of concentrate (-16% q/q) and 1.38 million tonnes of pellets (-14% q/q).