Northern Mining increases capacity to fulfil European orders

Two roasting machines were launched simultaneously at the plant

Metinvest Group’s Northern Mining and Processing Plant (Northern Mining) has put a second roasting machine into operation to ensure that it can fulfil additional orders from European partners. Now both LURGI 552 A and LURGI 552 B are involved in pellet production, Metinvest.Media reports.

Preparations for this decision began in advance. Last autumn, both units underwent comprehensive repairs. LURGI 552 V underwent quarterly repairs and equipment inspection, which increased its reliability. Similar measures were carried out on machine A, and the rotary intake was overhauled to ensure the shipment of finished products.

In order to fulfil European contracts on time, the company decided to use both machines simultaneously. This required additional efforts – employees of the pelletising shop No. 2 (PSM-2) worked shifts on weekends and at night. The launch of the second roasting machine is a complex process that takes a week and involves a thorough inspection of all mechanisms and equipment.

Currently, both machines operate with a capacity of 460-463 tonnes of pellets per hour. This allows us not only to fulfil orders in a timely manner but also to ensure stable shipments of products to European customers.

‘The market dictates its own rules, and we have to maintain the company’s reputation and strengthen its competitiveness. It will be more difficult for the teams of Northern Mining’s shops, especially at the Central Processing Plant-2, due to changes in the mode, when specialists will launch a second roasting machine for certain periods of time to meet the required volumes. However, our people are meeting these challenges with dignity, recognising their responsibility for the overall result, and this deserves sincere words of gratitude. More production means more money, more taxes for the state, which can be used for critical wartime activities,’ said Dmytro Malykh, Director of Production and Planning at Metinvest’s Minings.

As GMK Center reported earlier, 2024 was a turning point for Northern Mining due to the opening of Odesa ports, which allowed the resumption of iron ore exports by sea. This helped to stabilise production processes and increase production capacity. In the summer, we resumed operations at the Gannivsky open pit, which by the end of last year was close to 100% of its capacity.