BMZ satisfied with Venezuelan iron

GOMEL, 28 October (BelTA) – Belarusian Steel Works (BMZ trademark) has successfully tested the processing of a pilot batch of Venezuelan direct reduced iron, BelTA learned from Sergei Terletsky, Deputy Head of the Engineering Office for Steel Smelting. According to existing agreements, the company received 5,000 tonnes of basic materials from Venezuela in late September. The basic materials should be used as a special high-quality additive in metal smelting. This month Belarusian specialists have been working on analyzing the quality of various steel grades that can be manufactured using Venezuelan direct reduced iron. “We started with smelting less complicated grades of steel, in particular, reinforcing steel and gradually increased iron content,” said Sergei Terletsky. Then they switched to quality steel grades and then to steel grades, which are used to make tire yarn. The basic materials turned out to be fully compliant with technical requirements. The optimal content of direct reduced iron in a furnace charge should be 15-20%. Belarusian Steel Works plans to fully process Venezuelan iron by the next week. A report will be compiled. If the company administration makes a positive decision, a commercial pilot batch may be ordered. According to the source, BMZ is seeking an alternative supplier of imported basic materials. At present it can buy direct reduced iron only from one foreign company. A monopoly is always a risk, said Sergei Terletsky. Belarusian Steel Works (BMZ) was founded in 1984. The company specializes in cast sections, rolled sections, bar sections and reinforcing bars, metal cord, wire for high-pressure hoses and other kinds of wire. BMZ exports over 85% of the make. The company employs over 12,000 people.

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