MMK to Spend over RUB 26 Bln on Environment in 2022
The management of Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has adopted an updated environmental programme. According to the document, this year the Company’s investments in environmental protection will amount to RUB 26,847 mln.
The main investments will be linked to the construction of new environmental protection facilities at MMK’s by-product coke plant as part of its comprehensive overhaul. This will include the construction of coke oven battery No.12 and the reconstruction of both the biochemical unit and the chemical products recovery and processing plant. A total of around RUB 14 bln will be allocated to these projects.
MMK’s environmental programme for 2022 includes the implementation of 29 measures related to air protection at all of the plant’s key processing facilities. Total investments in this area will exceed RUB 9 bln. Projects that have already been implemented include the reconstruction of the dust and gas recovery systems and gas discharge ducts at converters 1, 2 and 3, as well as the reconstruction of the pig-iron overflow section of MMK’s oxygen converter shop. MMK has additionally implemented a project to reconstruct the gas cleaning and gas exhaust ducts of electric arc furnaces in its electric steelmaking shop. The implementation of all planned measures will reduce gross emissions of pollutants by six thousand tonnes per year and bring down the Comprehensive Air Quality Index (CAQI) in Magnitogorsk to 5.4 units.
A further eight projects are also planned for this year to reduce water consumption and pollutant emissions. Their implementation will enable MMK to reduce emissions by 600 tonnes, owing to zero emissions into the Magnitogorsk Reservoir and a reduction in emissions from the Limestone Quarry. The volume of water consumption from the Magnitogorsk Reservoir will also be limited to no more than 122.46 mln m3 per year. In addition, MMK continues its effort to replenish the reservoir’s fish stocks, with a total of 30,000 white amur and 50,000 silver carp to be released into the reservoir this year.
Other aspects of MMK’s environmental programme include measures to reduce and prevent the impact of industrial waste on the environment, as well as land reclamation and landscaping initiatives. A key measure in this respect will be the decommissioning of the Eastern quarry of Magnitnaya Mountain, which will involve the restoration of over 100 hectares of disturbed land. A total of RUB 1.2 bln will be allocated towards this purpose. MMK will also plant 826 trees and 4,449 shrubs to restore the terrain and landscaping of its territory, and a further 1,915 plants will be planted in the city of Magnitogorsk.
“Environmental protection has become one of the key priorities for our Company today. That is why we are particularly focused on achieving environmental security and adopting the best available technologies when carrying out technical upgrades. It is not just a matter of environmental protection, but also one of economic efficiency. By introducing new technologies, MMK is systematically moving towards the most environmentally friendly and efficient production methods,” said Viktor Rashnikov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MMK.