Qarmet, a prominent steel producer in Kazakhstan, has achieved a key milestone in its production for the year 2024 by smelting 3 million metric tons of steel in the first ten months. This figure matches the total steel output of the company in 2023, a remarkable achievement considering the challenging market conditions. The success comes as a result of extensive efforts to modernize and upgrade the plant’s equipment, significantly boosting its production capacity and environmental performance.
One of the major steps in Qarmet’s modernization journey was the comprehensive overhaul of its Basic Oxygen Furnace vessels. In October 2024, the company completed a major repair of BOF vessel No. 1, marking the second large-scale modernization project under its ongoing upgrade program. These repairs are part of a strategic plan to ensure the reliability and stability of the plant’s operations, which is essential for meeting the growing demand for steel. Andrey Berg, the Director of the Steel Department at Qarmet, noted that the repair of two converters within a single year was a critical and difficult process, but one that was necessary to ensure continuous production at full capacity.
The new BOF vessel No. 1, after its refurbishment, now boasts a larger volume, increasing from 234 cubic meters to 270 cubic meters. This upgrade allows for enhanced smelting capacity and improved production efficiency. Additionally, the installation of a modern gas cleaning system has significantly reduced emissions, further aligning the company with environmental sustainability standards. The new system not only improves the plant’s operational efficiency but also supports Qarmet's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and adhering to stricter regulatory standards.
In May 2024, Qarmet had already put into operation an upgraded BOF vessel No. 2, which contributed to the plant’s ability to increase its smelting capacity to 45 smelts per day. With the completion of the repair work on BOF vessel No. 1, the company now has the flexibility to produce steel more efficiently, ensuring that it can meet market demands with greater reliability. These repairs and upgrades represent Qarmet’s ongoing investment in its long-term development, aiming to maintain its leadership position in the steel industry both regionally and globally.
Qarmet’s performance in steel production has shown a marked improvement in 2024. Between January and September, the company increased steel production by 14% year-on-year, reaching 2.6 million metric tons. This growth was supported by higher coal production, which increased by 2% to 4.7 million metric tons, and a 17% rise in concentrate production, which totaled 2.3 million metric tons during the same period. In October alone, Qarmet produced around 400,000 metric tons of steel, signaling a strong finish to the year.
Looking ahead, Qarmet plans to ramp up its steel production further, aiming to reach 3.5 million metric tons by the end of 2024. The company also plans to ship around 3.2 million metric tons of steel products to its customers this year, reflecting its expanding market presence. Originally, Qarmet had projected a 13% increase in steel production in 2024, reaching 3.3 million metric tons. However, with the current progress and the recent enhancements to its production capabilities, the company is poised to exceed these expectations.
In terms of iron ore concentrate production, Qarmet intends to increase output by 10% to a total of 10 million metric tons, while coal production is expected to decline slightly by 2%. The planned increase in steel and concentrate production is a direct result of the successful modernization efforts at the plant and the company’s commitment to improving its operational efficiencies across the board. These initiatives are part of Qarmet's broader strategy to maintain competitiveness in the global steel market while addressing local demand and improving its environmental impact.
The successful completion of the large-scale modernization projects and the impressive production results in 2024 underscore Qarmet's strategic focus on increasing efficiency, output, and sustainability. As the company continues to invest in upgrading its infrastructure and optimizing its operations, it is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of both domestic and international steel markets. Qarmet’s ability to adapt to changing industry conditions while boosting production capacity is expected to reinforce its standing as a key player in the global steel sector.
