MMK Metalurji starts rolling HRC, sets HDG record

Russia’s MMK has completed testing of the entire production cycle, including casting and rolling modules, at its Turkey-based Metalurji works. The EAF, casting and rolling modules have resumed operations and are now ramping up production, the company says.

The firm is planning to produce 200,000-260,000 tonnes of hot rolled coil this year, lifting output to the nameplate 2 million tonnes/year in 2022. So far, 5,800t of HRC was produced, which was used in the downstream production of galvanised coils, contributing to Metalurji achieving a new record-high output of hot-dip galvanized coil.

Output at the two hot-dip galvanising units at Metalurji’s sites in Iskenderun and Istanbul reached 45,219t and 41,221t, respectively, totalling 86,440t in July.

This trumped the previous, January 2021 record of 78,613t, achieved amid difficulties in securing feedstock from the Russian parent company on the back of logistical difficulties, which reflected in lower-than-expected first-quarter HDG output (see Kallanish passim). Output in 2020 increased by 2.8% on-year to 741,000t, with Ebitda at $34 million and profitability at 6.6% after years of negative margins.

Metalurji’s EAF was idled in 2012, on the back of unfavourable market conditions, after a 2009 launch. The complex in Iskenderun also includes a modern seaport capable of receiving vessels of up to 100,000 light displacement tonnage.

Katya Ourakova UK