Kazakhstan’s Qarmet shuts down Converter №1 for overhaul

Qarmet (formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau) has shut down BOF vessel No. 1 at its steelmaking facility for major repairs. The work is scheduled to be completed in 90 days. This is stated in the company’s press release.

During the shutdown, the converter body will be replaced and other necessary repairs will be carried out. This will ensure uninterrupted and efficient operation of the unit in the future.

“BOF vessel No.1 has been in need of repair for a long time. In May, we successfully launched BOF vessel No. 2, which allowed us to work on all three vessels at a breakneck pace for several months. This resulted in the successful achievement of steel production targets. Now the first BOF vessel is undergoing a scheduled overhaul, and a new vessel body has already been prepared,” said Ruslan Esilbayev, Director of Steelmaking.

During the shutdown of BOF vessel No.1, Qarmet will continue to produce steel at BOF vessels No.2 and No.3. Once repairs and commissioning are completed, BOF vessel No. 1 will be put back into operation, which will increase the plant’s production capacity.

In the first half of the year, Kazakhstan increased steel production by 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023, to 2.09 million tons. Flat products output amounted to 1.6 million tons (+31.7% y/y).

As GMK Center reported earlier, Qarmet of Kazakhstan plans to increase its steel production in 2024.Steel production is expected to grow by 13% this year compared to 2023, to 3.3 million tons, and iron ore concentrate production by 10%, to 10 million tons. At the same time, coal production is expected to decline by 2%.