NLMK revamps its melt shop

NLMK has started the installation of main equipment for the revamped Continuous Casting Machine No.3 (CCM) at its main production site in Lipetsk. As a result, CCM production capacity will increase by more than 300 000 tpa, up to 1 mln tpa.

CCM-3 will produce a wide mix of high-quality slabs of various steel grades. State of the art equipment, 20-25% faster casting speeds and longer interrepair periods will boost CCM efficiency. Product mix will expand with an increase in maximum slab thickness from 240 to 315 mm, allowing NLMK to roll wide thick plate at its subsidiaries in Europe (DanSteel, Clabecq).

3 000 tonnes of new equipment manufactured by NKMZ (Ukraine) and NLMK’s in-house repair plant will be installed. Launch of the CCM is planned for Q4 2011. Total investments exceed RUR3.7 bln (or about $120 m).

The project is part of the Company’s ongoing strategy aimed at the expansion of steelmaking capacity following the start up of the new 3.4 mln tpa Blast Furnace No.7, which’s construction is currently in its final stages at the Lipetsk site

The main objectives of Stage II of NLMK's Technical Upgrade Program for 2007 – 2012 are:
- Increase liquid steel capacity by 40% up to 17 mln tpa, including from 9 to 12.4 mln t at the Lipetsk site.
- Achieve maximum self-sufficiency in key raw materials.
- Increase finished rolled product output from 8.9 to 10.7 mln tpa due to revamping and construction of new rolling facilities producing finished flats.
- Increase labour efficiency and reduce environmental impact.