Ukraine's largest vertically-integrated mining and steel group Metinvest is launching basic oxygen furnace (BOF)-based steel rail production at its Azovstal Iron and Steel Works. The manufacturing procedure for production of the rails has been approved by Azovstal's strategic partner, Ukrainian Railway Co.
Metinvest experts together with the state research and development center of Ukraine, Energostal, have developed and evaluated the manufacturing practice for BOF-based steel rail production and all trials have been successful. Adoption of this advanced manufacturing practice will entail a reduction in operating costs and energy consumption, and improved total operating efficiency of Azovstal.