ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, one of Ukraine's largest steel producers, has recently resumed operations of its Blast Furnace No. 6, which had been mothballed in the fall of 2024 due to adverse market conditions and high electricity tariffs. This resumption marks an important step in the company’s recovery from the economic challenges brought on by the global steel market crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The restart process, which typically takes up to ten days, was completed in an impressive four-day timeframe. This achievement underscores the efficiency and expertise of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih’s workforce, as well as the careful preparations made before relaunching the unit.
Blast Furnace No. 6: A Key Asset for ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih
Blast Furnace No. 6 holds symbolic and strategic significance for ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. Notably, it was at this furnace that the first pig iron was cast in April 2022, just after the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. This marked a crucial moment in the company’s ability to continue operations under challenging circumstances.
In 2023, BF No. 6 underwent a second-category overhaul, which included the modernization of critical components such as the air heater, aspiration system, and electrical equipment. These upgrades were crucial in ensuring the furnace’s long-term operational efficiency, helping the company maintain competitiveness in the global market.
Strategic Preparation for Restart
Before relaunching BF No. 6, the team undertook meticulous preparations to ensure the furnace would operate at full capacity once it was brought online. The preparation process included:
• Cleaning: The team cleaned the unit thoroughly, removing charge residues and dust, with special attention given to the tundish area (the part of the furnace where molten iron is collected).
• Technical Inspections: Extensive checks were conducted to ensure that the furnace’s drainage system and overall technical health were intact, ensuring smooth operations.
• Team Coordination: The restart process was a multi-stage operation that required the involvement of numerous specialists, including shift foremen, blast furnace operators, gas workers, and engineers.
Grigory Sazonov, Senior Blast Furnace Foreman at BF No. 1, emphasized the team's attention to detail, saying, “We needed to make sure that after the blast furnace was decommissioned, its technical health was in good shape."
Quick Restart: Efficient and Smooth Operations
The restart of BF No. 6 went smoothly, and the furnace began operating at its planned capacity of 3.4 thousand metric tons of pig iron per day almost immediately. According to Anton Kisterets, Deputy Head of BF No. 1 for Technology, the blast furnace operation process had become highly automated, with the team adept at restarting the furnace with minimal complications.
"Blast furnace blow-up is a complex, multi-stage process, but our blast furnace operators have already mastered it to the point of automation,” Kisterets remarked. The furnace did not show any technical issues and immediately started working efficiently, underscoring the team’s capability and preparation.
A Symbol of Resilience Amidst Adversity
The return to full production at BF No. 6 is not just a technical achievement but also a symbol of resilience for ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih. The company, like many others in Ukraine, has had to navigate extremely difficult market conditions, compounded by the ongoing war and skyrocketing electricity costs. In the fourth quarter of 2024, ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih was forced to mothball several operations, including BF No. 6, as part of its strategy to survive the financial difficulties.
During the closure period, the company continued operations with its Blast Furnace No. 8, but with BF No. 6 now back in operation, it has significantly boosted its production capacity. This is crucial for meeting domestic and international demand, especially as the global steel market slowly recovers.
Challenges and Outlook
The ongoing war in Ukraine remains a significant challenge for ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, as it does for the entire steel industry in the region. High electricity tariffs for industrial enterprises in Ukraine, combined with an unpredictable market environment, have made it difficult for companies to plan for the future. However, with the recommissioning of BF No. 6 and continued investments in modernization, the company appears poised to continue navigating these challenges effectively.
The company’s commitment to modernization and efficiency through investments in its blast furnace operations helps to secure its long-term viability and strengthen its position within the competitive global steel market.
Key Takeaways:
• Blast Furnace No. 6 resumed operation at ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih after being mothballed in late 2024 due to the market crisis and high electricity costs.
• The restart process was completed in just four days, a remarkable achievement compared to the typical ten-day timeframe.
• The furnace now operates at a planned production capacity of 3.4 thousand metric tons of pig iron per day.
• BF No. 6 holds symbolic value for the company, as it was the site of the first pig iron casting after the full-scale invasion in April 2022.
• Prior to the restart, the company undertook extensive preparation, including cleaning and technical inspections, to ensure a smooth operation.
• ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih had previously mothballed several furnaces due to unfavorable market conditions and high costs, operating only BF No. 8 in the meantime.
• The furnace underwent an extended second-category overhaul in 2023, modernizing key systems such as the air heater, aspiration system, and electrical equipment.
• Despite challenges from the ongoing war and high electricity tariffs, the resumption of BF No. 6 boosts the company’s capacity and demonstrates its ability to adapt in difficult times.
