The Ukrainian flat steel producer Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol (Ilyich), which merged with Ukraine's largest mining and steel group Metinvest in July 2010, is planning to significantly increase its output within the priorities set out by Metinvest, and accordingly is considering a radical modernization of its production facilities.
"The enterprise has been tasked to significantly increase production - to up to 16 million mt per year of sinter (previously we produced a maximum of 12.5 million mt) and up to 8 million mt of steel (historically we have never produced this much). To achieve the given targets, Ilyich will carry out the reconstruction of its main workshops to the most up-to-date levels. In the next four to five years, the open-hearth shop will be completely closed," Ilyich's general director Vladimir Boyko has said.
At the same time, Mr. Boyko noted that, following the visit of the company's specialists to China, from late February this year Ilyich will resume work on the construction of its pulverized coal injection (PCI) facility for blast furnaces, which is being supplied by China National Mineral Co. Ltd, in line with the contract concluded on May 18, 2006.
"I think that within the next three months a clear program will be adopted for the development of Metinvest Holding, including the program for its reequipment. This is a serious matter, requiring enormous costs. Billions of dollars will be required to build Ilyich into a new plant," Mr. Boyko said.