News & Press Releases

London, June 24, 2021

In April, the Hydrogen-based fine-ore reduction (HYFOR) pilot plant developed by Primetals Technologies was commissioned at the voestalpine site in Donawitz, Austria. First tests were successful. Test with various iron ore concentrates will continue to collect a sound data basis. Use of 100% Hydrogen as reduction agent reduces the CO2 footprint close to zero. The HYFOR pilot plant employs the world´s first direct reduction process for iron ore fines concentrates from ore beneficiation, not requiring any agglomeration like sintering or pelletizing. This reduces CAPEX and OPEX costs. HYFOR represents the only process worldwide capable of processing iron ore concentrate fines with 100% particle sizes smaller than 0.15 mm, and a wide variety of ores, e.g. hematite and magnetite, supplied by different customers of Primetals Technologies worldwide. The direct reduction plant will come in a modular design, allowing for a tailor-made scaling for customers for all sizes of steel plants.

London, June 17, 2021

In March 2021, Tangshan Heavy Plate issued Primetals Technologies with the final acceptance certificate (FAC) for three Mold Expert systems for the continuous casters at the Laoting plant in the Tangshan region of China. The new systems have been installed to increase efficiency even more in the prevention of breakouts on the continuous casters and cut the amount of maintenance work. Reducing the frequency of breakouts will also help to lower production costs. Primetals Technologies China commissioned the new systems on site with online support from experts at Primetals Technologies Austria. Despite travel restrictions, the project was realized within just three months. Before the order was placed, Primetals Technologies ran and supported a six-month test installation on one of the casters.

London, June 10, 2021

In April, Bosnian steel producer ArcelorMittal Zenica d.o.o. placed an order with Primetals Technologies to replace the vessel of BOF converter #2 and supply associated equipment. An optimized design will increase the vessel volume and make production easier. The well-proven Vaicon Link 2.0 suspension system eliminates maintenance requirements. A new design of the exchangeable bottom ensures reliable sealing and minimizes the risk for leakages. The converter replacement will be executed in an open consortium with the experienced Serbian company GrappS d.o.o. as installation partner. Start-up of the converter is expected by end of 2022.

London, June 03, 2021

Primetals Technologies and NewFer have signed a cooperation agreement in April 2021 for the joint development and implementation of iron ore pelletizing and beneficiation plants. The cooperation with NewFer strengthens Primetals Technologies’ world-wide offering for travelling grate iron ore pelletizing plants.

London, June 01, 2021

In April, the first coil was produced on an Arvedi ESP line (Endless Strip Production) supplied by Primetals Technologies to a Chinese steel producer in Hebei Province. Even under pandemic conditions, professional collaboration of the customer’ project team and Primetals Technologies ensured a smooth project execution. Start-up took place after 17 months of contract in force and 6 months after erection start. First plate on March 17 and first coil on April 6 milestones were achieved 3 weeks ahead of schedule. Also, the first coil and the first endless strip were produced at the same time, marking a new record.