Ukrainian steelmaker Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol, a subsidiary of Ukrainian steel group Metinvest, is planning complete a program of technical re-equipment. The main purpose of this program is significant growth in production volume. In particular, annual agglomerate production is to be increased to 16 million mt, pig iron output will be expanded to seven million mt, and crude steel production will be raised to 8.5-9 million mt.
According to the company, it is necessary to close an open-hearth shop and to construct a converter plant. The thorough repair of the blast furnace No. 3 has already been completed.