UrBC, Yekaterinburg, October 12, 2017. EVRAZ Holding’s Nizhniy Tagil Integrated Metallurgical Works (NTMK) completed assembling the primary framework of its new Blast Furnace 7. The furnace is now over eighty meters high. The workers are now busy assembling the technological equipment, EVRAZ Holding Ural’s PR Department states.

‘The furnace shell, the cooling appliances, and tuyere area are all ready, so we are getting the popit and the vertical off-take pipes assembled. The kiln and bottom lining is 66% complete. We also started putting the fuel pipelines in place,’ the Department says.

The metal frameworks of the cathouses are ready as well, as are the parting walls and the gas ducts. The assembly of two primary chutes meant to transfer and separate pig iron from slag is in full progress. The crane frameworks will be put in place very soon.

Three air heaters have been built, as has a coke-delivery system that ensures coke transfer to the loading hoppers. The system conveyors are currently getting assembled.

In addition to the primary equipment, workers are focussing on the infrastructure facilities as well. A belt-conveyor trestle meant for iron ore transportation has to be rebuilt, more concrete needs to be added to the skip pit, and gas-filtering facilities and a power substation need to be introduced.

There are currently around a thousand workers from over twenty different contractor companies busy at the site. The jobs are done round the clock.

The company intends to invest up to $170m in its Blast Furnace 7.