NLMK Group has announced that it has taken a significant step towards sustainable steel production by testing an innovative technology for processing recycled wood into coal. This alternative fuel will partially replace traditional energy sources in the production of ferroalloys, which is a key process for improving metal quality.
According to NLMK, the project will save about 2,000 tons of fuel per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tons per year.
Converting waste into energy
The raw materials for this process come from approximately 8,000 tons of discarded wood collected during equipment shipments and repairs. These include old wooden structures, pallets, packaging, and other industrial waste that would otherwise remain unused.
By converting this waste into energy, NLMK not only reduces fuel consumption, but also contributes to more efficient waste management throughout its operations.
A step towards a closed-loop economy
The initiative is part of NLMK's broader sustainable development strategy to integrate recycled materials into the production cycle. The company already recycles up to 99 percent of its recycled materials, which significantly reduces waste generation while increasing resource efficiency.
NLMK's goal is to strengthen the closed-cycle economy and ensure consistent reuse of by-products in internal processes. This new technology of converting wood into coal is even more
