ArcelorMittal reduces dust and gas emissions from quarry explosions

PJSC ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is implementing modern solutions to reduce dust and gas emissions during blasting operations in quarries. This is stated in the press release of the Metallurg newspaper.

Every year, as part of the City Program for Solving Environmental Problems in Kryvyi Rih and Improving the Environment for 2016-2025, mining companies in the city, including ArcelorMittal, in cooperation with specialized research organizations conduct research to improve the technology of mass explosions.

«We are constantly looking for new options to reduce the industrial burden on the region’s environment during blasting operations. We are considering new schemes for downhole charges and their switching so that during the explosion, energy is used to destroy the rock mass as much as possible, rather than to release explosion products outside,» said Artem Kuznetsov, Head of Investment and Scientific and Technical Support of the company’s Mining Department.

The latest study considered the option of using modern and effective binding agents that would preserve dust and gas inside the well and prevent its spread to the environment. After conducting tests, the company determined that the use of Hydrogel was appropriate and effective.

Currently, the company uses the Hydrogel reagent during massive industrial explosions on a regular basis in addition to the main dust suppression measures using water.

«During the explosion, the Hydrogel in the well crystallizes and locks in the explosion products. The sleeves on the surface are destroyed, and the released water and Hydrogel irrigate the dust and gas cloud, settle and extinguish it. To increase this effect, we are constantly considering other options and new technologies, and cooperate with scientific institutions in these matters,» added Artem Kuznetsov.

The measurements showed that when Hydrogel is used instead of water, its efficiency in terms of dust increases from 5.4% to 9.1%, nitrogen dioxide from 3.4% to 5.1%, and carbon monoxide from 4.3% to 4.8%.

«The main priority among all components of the use of binders is to make production environmentally friendly and minimize the environmental impact of our city. To this end, starting from May 2023, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih will use a more efficient reagent instead of water in 10-15% of the total volume of blasting operations, where technologically feasible,» the company summarizes.

In 2023, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih produced 1 million tons of steel, 1.5 million tons of pig iron and 0.9 million tons of commercial rolled products despite the difficulties of doing business in a full-scale war. In 2024, the company plans to increase capacity utilization from 25% to 50%. In particular, the company plans to maximize the utilization of its mining division and launch two blast furnaces in the metallurgical division in April of this year.

ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is a full-cycle steelmaking enterprise in Ukraine. Its production facilities are designed to produce over 6 million tons of steel, 5 million tons of rolled products and 5.5 million tons of pig iron annually. The company employs over 20 thousand people.