On 30 January, Metinvest Sichstal – the subsidiary responsible for implementing the Group’s strategic investment projects – signed an agreement with global technology equipment supplier Metso to develop basic engineering to integrate a new flotation concentration complex into the concentrate production process at Northern Iron Ore. This stage is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
The project will increase the iron content in standard concentrate to 70.8%, while reducing the proportion of impurities (silicon and aluminium oxides) to 2%. The high quality of raw materials for DR pellet production will enhance Metinvest’s competitiveness and provide greater flexibility in emerging iron ore markets.
The flotation concentration complex will comprise three main process areas: for regrinding flotation feed in vertical tower mills (VTMs); upgrading flotation, including both primary and scavenger flotation stages; and dewatering the flotation concentrate using filter presses.
Mariia Vasylieva, chief executive officer of Metinvest Sichstal, said: “Cooperation with a global leader in flotation technologies gives us confidence that this project will be delivered successfully. It will expand Metinvest’s production capabilities and create additional value for Ukraine’s economy. At the same time, this is another step towards ‘green’ metallurgy: transforming the Group on its path to climate neutrality.”
To recap, in late 2025, Metinvest announced plans to increase the production of DR pellets for ‘green’ steel manufacturing, as well as premium-grade raw materials for pig iron production at Northern Iron Ore. In addition to the construction of the flotation concentration complex, the programme envisages the modernisation of the pellet production line, including the refurbishment of the LURGI 552-A pelletising machine.
Basic engineering for the reconstruction of the production line is being developed by leading Austrian company Primetals Technologies. The first stage of the pelletising machine modernisation is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Following the implementation of these two projects at Northern Iron Ore, annual production is expected to reach around 4 million tonnes of DR pellets. The programme also envisages the potential production of blast furnace-grade high-quality (BF HQ) pellets.