Russian steelmaker Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK) has completed a major modernization project at its oxygen converter shop with the installation of combined inert gas bottom purging systems on all three converters.
The project, which involved total investment of more than RUB 4.5 bln (USD 60 mln), was implemented in three phases between August 2025 and June 2026. The new systems are designed to improve steel quality, increase production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.
According to MMK, the technology has increased usable steel yield by around 5 kg per ton while reducing metal oxidation by 2pct, lowering consumption of ferroalloys, aluminum and slag-forming materials. The upgraded converters also allow higher hot metal usage with reduced scrap consumption, cutting total metallic charge requirements by 11.6 kg per ton of steel.
The project is also expected to improve steel cleanliness by reducing non-metallic inclusions, resulting in higher-quality finished products.
The modernization was supported by the commissioning of a new air separation unit in 2025, providing argon for the bottom purging system. The main process equipment was supplied by China’s SDM and includes automated blowing controls, converter lining scanning technology and an acoustic slag detection system that enhances operational safety and process control.
MMK is a major Russian steel producer operating a fully integrated production chain, from iron ore preparation and coke production to the manufacture of downstream steel products. The company has an annual crude steel production capacity of around 14.5 mln tons per annum.
1 USD / 75 RUB