Russia-based steelmaker Severstal announced that it has commenced cold commissioning of pelletizing equipment at its Cherepovets Iron and Steel Works (CherMK) plant. The commissioning phase marks a key step in preparing the new production complex for full-scale operations, with hot commissioning planned to begin in the second half of 2026.
Project aims to transform raw material processing and reduce emissions
According to Severstal, the new pelletizing complex will significantly alter the technological process for iron ore handling and pig iron production at the site. By supplying blast furnaces with internally produced pellets, the company expects to reduce coke consumption and improve operational efficiency.
At the same time, the project will enable the elimination of several existing sintering machines, which are currently associated with higher environmental impact.
Major investment to support environmental targets
Severstal CEO Alexander Shevelev stated that construction of the RUB 116 billion ($1.41 billion) facility has been ongoing for over a year, with the project entering its peak construction phase in 2025. He emphasized that the implementation continues despite challenging market conditions, noting that the key difficulty lies in meeting the construction timeline.
The company underlined that the project is driven by its environmental commitments. Once operational, the new pelletizing shop is expected to reduce pollutant emissions by 96,000 mt per year and greenhouse gas emissions by 2 million mt annually.
