Zaporizhstal completes the first stage of overhaul of blast furnace No. 3

Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works has completed the first stage of the overhaul of blast furnace (BF) No. 3. This is stated in a message on the company’s Facebook page.

«Zaporizhstal’s units are always under close control, and their maintenance is carried out strictly according to the schedule. Recently, Metinvest Promservice specialists have completed the first stage of the overhaul of blast furnace No. 3,» the press release said.

The main task of this stage was to replace the upper gas shut-off valve. It is designed to equalize the pressure between the feed hopper and the furnace. It is very important to replace it in time to ensure that the loading process is safe and uninterrupted.

The blast furnace is currently operating stably. In April, the specialists are preparing to start the second stage of the restoration work.

In January-February 2024, Zaporizhstal increased pig iron production by 75.7% compared to the same period in 2023, up to 512.3 thousand tons, and steel production by 125.2% y/y, up to 471.1 thousand tons. Rolled steel production increased by 126.9% y/y to 395.3 thousand tons.

In 2023, Zaporizhstal increased its output by 50.6% compared to 2022, to 7.24 million tons. In particular, the plant produced

• pig iron – 2.72 million tons (+35.3% y/y);
• steel – 2.47 million tons (+65.4%);
• rolled products – 2.05 million tons (+57.2%).

Hostile shelling and destruction, interruptions in the supply of raw materials and energy, and disruption of logistics routes due to the blockade of seaports led to a decrease in Zaporizhstal’s production performance compared to pre-war levels. In particular, in 2021, the plant produced 4.5 million tons of iron, 3.8 million tons of steel and 3.2 million tons of rolled products. In 2023, the plant operated at an average of 70% of its capacity.