Qarmet (formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau) has shut down BOF vessel No. 1 at its steelmaking facility for major repairs, with the work scheduled to be completed in 90 days, according to the company’s press release. During the shutdown, the converter body will be replaced, and other necessary repairs will be carried out to ensure uninterrupted and efficient operation of the unit in the future.
Ruslan Esilbayev, Director of Steelmaking, stated that BOF vessel No. 1 had been in need of repair for a long time. In May, BOF vessel No. 2 was successfully launched, allowing the company to work on all three vessels at a rapid pace, achieving steel production targets. While BOF vessel No. 1 undergoes its scheduled overhaul, Qarmet will continue to produce steel using BOF vessels No. 2 and No. 3. Once repairs and commissioning are completed, BOF vessel No. 1 will be put back into operation, increasing the plant’s production capacity.
In the first half of the year, Kazakhstan increased steel production by 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 2.09 million tons. Flat products output amounted to 1.6 million tons, marking a 31.7% year-on-year increase. Qarmet plans to increase its steel production in 2024 by 13% compared to 2023, aiming for 3.3 million tons, and expects iron ore concentrate production to grow by 10% to 10 million tons. However, coal production is projected to decline by 2%.