Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has reduced coke consumption in pig iron production by 16pct since 2024 under a company-wide blast furnace optimization program, generating economic benefits of more than RUB 5.5 bln (USD 70 mln).
The initiative, launched in August 2024 as part of MMK’s Low-Cost Iron strategic program, aims to reduce pig iron production costs and improve the competitiveness of its blast furnace operations.
A key element of the program has been the commissioning of Coke Oven Battery No. 12 (KB-12), which has increased the production of higher-quality coke. Following the ramp-up of the new facility, the share of dry-quenched coke in MMK’s total coke output has exceeded 70pct.
The company also commissioned a coal and coke research laboratory in September 2024, which developed a digital coal database to optimize coal blending. Laboratory testing enabled MMK to identify the most suitable coal concentrate mix for coke production.
According to MMK, the higher share of dry-quenched coke and improved coke quality have allowed greater use of natural gas injection in blast furnace operations, reducing coke consumption while improving overall production efficiency.
The company has also improved key coke quality parameters, including M10 and M25 mechanical strength indices, while reducing coke ash content, the proportion of oversized (+80 mm) coke and silicon content in pig iron.
MMK said the program supports its long-term objective of lowering slab production costs and improving competitiveness amid weaker steel demand and challenging market conditions.
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 / 77.6 RUB