Metinvest has launched a second DRI-focused project at Northern Iron Ore

The group’s strategic investment arm, Metinvest Sichstal, signed an agreement on January 30 with global technology and equipment supplier Metso to develop basic engineering for the integration of a new flotation concentration complex into the concentrate production process at Northern Iron Ore. This phase is planned to be completed by the end of 2026.

Under the project, the iron content in standard concentrate is targeted to be increased to 70.8%, while the impurity level (silicon and aluminum oxides) is to be reduced to 2%. By securing high-quality raw materials suitable for DR pellet production, Metinvest is expected to strengthen its competitiveness and gain greater flexibility in emerging iron ore markets.

The new flotation concentration complex will consist of three main processing areas: regrinding of flotation feed in vertical tower mills (VTM), optimization of the flotation process covering primary and intermediate stages, and dewatering of the flotation concentrate using filter presses.

Metinvest Sichstal CEO Mariia Vasylieva stated that cooperation with a global leader in flotation technologies increases confidence in the successful completion of the project. She noted that the investment will expand Metinvest’s production capacity and create additional value for the Ukrainian economy, emphasizing that it also represents a step toward “green” metallurgy within the group’s transformation toward climate neutrality.

Metinvest had announced plans in late 2025 to increase DR pellet production and premium-grade raw material capacity for pig iron production at Northern Iron Ore for “green” steelmaking. The program includes the construction of the flotation concentration complex as well as modernization of the pellet production line, including the refurbishment of the LURGI 552-A pelletizing machine.

Basic engineering for the restructuring of the production line is being carried out by Austrian technology company Primetals Technologies. The first phase of the pelletizing machine modernization is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Following the implementation of these two projects at Northern Iron Ore, annual DR pellet production capacity is expected to reach approximately 4 million tonnes. The program also includes potential production of blast furnace–quality (BF HQ) pellets.