It is reported that Alchevsk Iron and Steel Works, the subsidiary of the Ukrainian steel producer Industrial Union of Donbass, has put into operation its first unit for pulverized coal preparation and injection.

Pulverized coal, replacing natural gas is already in use at Alchevsk’s blast furnace No 1 and will allow the company to reduce its production costs.

Alchevsk plans to finish the construction of its pulverized coal injection plant by July 2011. The implementation of the project is being carried out in stages, jointly with German company Kittner. The first stage of the project was implemented in March 2009, while the implementation of the second stage is scheduled for June 2010.

In addition, Alchevsk is carrying out the construction of its own power plant, which is scheduled to be completed in the current year. The new power plant will allow Alchevsk to be 100% self-sufficient in electricity supplies and to decrease the cost of electricity by eight times. On the other hand, waste from the blast furnace and coke production will be used as fuel, thus contributing to the protection of the environment.

(Sourced from SteelOrbis)