The first slabs have been successfully cast at Novolipetsk newly revamped 1 million tonnes per year vertical continuous casting machine.

Following the revamp, CCM-3 capacity has increased by 300,000 tonnes per year due to higher casting rates and shorter periods between repairs.

Product mix capabilities have been expanded, with new equipment allowing slab thickness of up to 315mm and steel quality has been improved due to increased process automation.

The RUB 3.6 billion project is part of the second stage of NLMK Technical Upgrade Program which, alongside other activities is aimed at increasing steel output from 9 million tonnes per year to 12.4 million tonnes per year at NLMK Lipetsk site.