The planned direct reduction plant using Midrex Flex technology is expected to produce 2 million tonnes of hot briquetted iron (HBI) per year. The project promises to create more than 1,000 jobs in Kazakhstan.
Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a global metals and mining company, has signed a strategic contract with a consortium of Primetals and Midrex. The agreement covers detailed engineering, supply of key process equipment, and a range of services for the construction of a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant in Rudny, Kazakhstan.
According to Primetals, the Midrex Flex plant will be one of the largest next-generation metallurgy facilities in Central Asia. Producing HBI with a metallization degree of at least 93.5 percent and an iron content of approx. 90 percent will enable Kazakhstan to enter the global HBI market with a new, competitive product. The direct reduction plant is designed for a seamless transition to hydrogen utilization when it becomes commercially viable.
“The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan has stated that the country’s priority is to produce high-value-added products that are competitive in both domestic and international markets. Together with our partners, we are establishing a modern, environmentally friendly production facility - one that brings in advanced technologies, reduces the carbon footprint, creates employment opportunities, and contributes to the development of skilled human capital”, says Shukhrat Ibragimov, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Managers of ERG. With a target production capacity of 2 million tons of HBI per annum and a total investment exceeding $1.2 billion, the project should create over 1,000 new jobs.
Significantly Reduced Emissions
The project is based on advanced direct reduction iron (DRI) technologies using the Midrex process. Unlike traditional blast furnace production, it uses natural gas instead of coke, resulting in significantly lower emissions. The plant will process oxidized iron ore pellets produced by SSGPO JSC, a part of ERG, with the capability to deliver hot product directly to a future steelmaking shop.
The HBI plant construction project is being carried out by the Group's subsidiary, QazIron ERG LLP. With a production capacity of 2 million tons of HBI per year, the investment totals approximately 650 billion tenge, or more than 1.2 billion USD. Commissioning is scheduled for 2029, and the project will create over 1,000 jobs in the region, says Primetals..
The new plant includes a 7.15m diameter Midrex Shaft Furnace and a proprietary Midrex Reformer with low NOx burners for NOx reduction. Increased top gas pressure ensures higher furnace productivity and reduced power consumption. A flue gas hot fan additionally reduces electric power consumption. The plant will also feature a hot fines recycling system. Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems are part of the project as well.
Source: Primetals Technologies
