Sep. 20, 2019 - Stoilensky, part of NLMK Group, a global steel company, has began construction of a new stage (Stage 3) of its thickening unit, a hydrotechnical facility that dewaters the slurry*, and thickens the solids, before transporting them to dedicated tailing pits. The separated water is recycled and returned into the process.

This project will enable Stoilensky to fully switch to a more efficient system of processing, transporting, and storing waste ore after beneficiation. The new thickening unit will also ensure the stability of beneficiation operations as production is ramped up in 2021. At the same time, specific water consumption and the tailings area will be reduced multifold.

Stage 3 of the project includes the construction of a radial thickener, the assembly of slurry pipelines, and overground process water piping, the installation of new pumps and other equipment in the pump station, and the deployment of additional networks for communication, power supply and data exchange, and an automated process control system.

Investment into Stage 3 of the thickening unit construction will total RUB 1.5 bn.