Kametstal resumes pig iron production for export

Kametstal Iron and Steel Works has resumed production of pig iron for foreign customers after more than six months of interruption. This is stated in the company’s press release.

The production of pig iron at the casting machines section of the blast furnace shop was resumed at the request of customers from North America. This program provides for systematic shipments of products and is expected to continue in 2025.

The first cargoes of pig iron for North American customers were shipped from Kametstal in November. This was preceded by intensive teamwork to prepare the casting machines for the resumption of production and to provide the site with qualified personnel.

“To fulfill the order, two casting machines are in stable operation at the site, the equipment of which was checked, audited and repaired by the BF repair services in advance. Special attention was paid to the renewal of moulds, which are containers for forming pig iron into ingots. Special attention was paid to training and professional development of process personnel, including newly hired employees. Thanks to this teamwork, we are working according to the operational plan for the production of commercial pig iron,” comments Denys Pinchuk, BF Shop Manager.

The company plans to ship 17 thousand tons of pig iron to American customers by the end of November.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in January-September 2024, Kametstal increased pig iron production by 2% compared to the same period in 2023, to 1.367 million tons. Steel production increased by 5% y/y – to 1.61 million tons. At the same time, commercial pig iron production for the period amounted to 2 thousand tons compared to 19 thousand tons in January-September 2023.