Tenova to increase the productivity of Metalloinvest’s HBI-1 Plant at Lebedinsky

Metalloinvest, a leading global iron ore and HBI producer and supplier, and one of the regional producers of high-quality steel, has launched the modernization of the hot briquetted iron module No.1 (HBI-1) at the Lebedinsky mining and processing plant, signing a contract with Tenova, a leading company specialized in innovative solutions for the metals and mining industries. In particular, Tenova HYL, worldwide leader in Direct Reduction technology, will provide engineering services and consulting and will supply main and auxiliary equipment.

The project is scheduled to be completed by early 2023 and is expected to increase the productivity of HBI-1 Plant by more than 10%. At the same time, the metallurgical value of products will improve, with metallization and carbon content increasing. The existing HYL technological solution will be supplemented by two modern oxygen injection distributors, as well as an additional boiler for steam generation, an absorber, carbon dioxide extraction pumps, a fuel gas buffer tank and other units.

“Metalloinvest is the leading global supplier of HBI, with a market share exceeding 50%. The production capacity for this type of metallized product is concentrated at Lebedinsky GOK”, affirmed the Managing Director of Lebedinsky GOK, Oleg Mikhailov. "The modernization of HBI-1 Plant is a key example of the kinds of strategic solutions that enable the Company to strengthen its leading industry position."

“The reliability of the Energiron technology, jointly developed by Tenova and Danieli, and an open, professional dialogue with the client have been the key factors for the favourable outcome of this contract”, said Stefano Maggiolino, President and CEO of Tenova HYL. “We look forward to working with the Metalloinvest team for the successful implementation of the project.”

The capacity of HBI-1 Plant, which was commissioned at Lebedinsky GOK in 2001, enables the production of more than 1 mn tonnes of HBI annually. In total, the three HBI plants at Lebedinsky GOK produce over 4.5 mn tonnes of HBI per year.

Hot briquetted iron is a raw material used for the production of high-quality steel. The direct reduction process, which is used to produce HBI, is the most environmentally friendly iron production method. It lacks the emissions that are traditionally associated with the production of coke, sintering ore and pig iron, as well as the solid waste in the form of slag.

Source and photo: Tenova