Outokumpu has celebrated, last week, the inauguration of the new ferrochrome works in Tornio, Finland. Inauguration marks the start of the ramp-up phase of the EUR410 million investment project ahead of schedule. With the ramp-up of the world’s biggest ferrochrome furnace Outokumpu plans to double its ferrochrome production to 530,000 tonnes by 2015.
Outokumpu’s mill in Tornio is the most integrated stainless steel mill in the world. It includes ferrochrome works, melt shop, hot rolling mill and cold rolling mill in the same site as well as chrome mine in the neighboring city of Kemi which boasts the largest known chromite reserves in Europe. An integrated process from the mine to the stainless steel mills allows Outokumpu to improve energy efficiency of the mill, use molten ferrochrome and utilize carbon monoxide in the production.
“Ferrochrome gives Outokumpu a unique competitive advantage as we have a cost efficient access to this important stainless steel raw material,” said CEO Mika Seitovirta. “This doubled ferrochrome capacity will cover the majority of Outokumpu’s ferrochrome needs. Our chrome mine and ferrochrome works are excellent examples of environmentally sustainable mining operations.”
Outokumpu completed the 410 million euro investment ahead of schedule and below budget by the end of 2012. As the ramp up is ongoing, the expected ferrochrome production for this year will be approximately 400,000 tonnes, reaching the full doubled capacity of 530,000 tonnes by 2015.