- New MIDREX Flex® direct reduction plant will produce 2 million tons of hot briquetted iron (HBI) annually
- Enables Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) and Kazakhstan to enter the global HBI market
- Today’s contract for the construction of the plant follows the successful completion of pre-engineering and basic engineering phases
- Advanced technologies will deliver high energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and readiness for future hydrogen utilization
- Project to create over 1,000 jobs in Kazakhstan
Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a global metals and mining company, has signed a strategic contract with a consortium of Primetals Technologies, Ltd. and Midrex Technologies, Inc. The agreement covers detailed engineering, supply of key process equipment, and a range of services for the construction of a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant in Rudny, Kazakhstan. This marks the next major milestone in the partnership, following the completion of pre-engineering and basic engineering packages.
The MIDREX Flex® plant will be one of the largest next-generation metallurgy facilities in Central Asia. Producing HBI with a metallization degree of at least 93.5 percent and an iron content of approx. 90 percent will enable Kazakhstan to enter the global HBI market with a new, competitive product. The MIDREX Flex plant is designed for a seamless transition to hydrogen utilization when it becomes commercially viable.
Significantly Reduced Emissions
The project is based on advanced direct reduction iron (DRI) technologies using the MIDREX process. Unlike traditional blast furnace production, it uses natural gas instead of coke, resulting in significantly lower emissions. The plant will process oxidized iron ore pellets produced by SSGPO JSC, a part of ERG, with the capability to deliver hot product directly to a future steelmaking shop.
“We are honored to play a pivotal role in this major project that propels Kazakhstan’s metal industry into a new era, enabling ERG to expand into global markets. The MIDREX Flex solution represents the most environmentally friendly technology for ore-based ironmaking, reducing the carbon footprint by more than 50 percent compared to traditional blast furnace production."
Andreas Viehboeck
Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business Unit Upstream at Primetals Technologies
Creating Over 1,000 Jobs
The HBI plant construction project is being carried out by the Group's subsidiary, QazIron ERG LLP. With a production capacity of 2 million tons of HBI per year, the investment totals approximately 650 billion tenge, or more than 1.2 billion USD. Commissioning is scheduled for 2029, and the project will create over 1,000 jobs in the region.
The MIDREX Flex Plant
The new plant includes a 7.15m diameter Midrex Shaft Furnace and a proprietary Midrex Reformer with low NOx burners for NOx reduction. Increased top gas pressure ensures higher furnace productivity and reduced power consumption. A flue gas hot fan additionally reduces electric power consumption. The plant will also feature a hot fines recycling system. Level 1 and Level 2 automation systems are part of the project as well.
For over half a century, Midrex has been at the forefront of direct reduced iron (DRI) production. Recognized as the global leader in ironmaking technology, its plants account for roughly 80 percent of the world’s low CO₂ DRI. Since 1969, more than 100 MIDREX Modules have been established across 21 countries.
Primetals Technologies is a pioneer and world leader in engineering, plant construction, and lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete portfolio of technologies, products, and services—including integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions—covering every step of the iron and steel production chain.
Representatives from ERG, Primetals Technologies, and Midrex Technologies at the occasion of contract signing. Front row, from left to right: Aashish Gupta, Chief Sales and Strategy Officer, Midrex Technologies, Sergey Kuzmenko Head of Iron Ore Division of ERG, General Director of SSGPO JSC, Thomas Marton, Senior Vice President Ironmaking, Steelmaking, & ECO Solutions, and Norbert Petermaier, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales & Marketing, both at Primetals Technologies. Standing far right in back row: Andreas Viehboeck, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Business Unit Upstream at Primetals Technologies.
Primetals Technologies, Limited, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, is a pioneer and world leader in the fields of engineering, plant building, and the provision of lifecycle services for the metals industry. The company offers a complete technology, product, and services portfolio that includes integrated electrics and automation, digitalization, and environmental solutions. This covers every step of the iron and steel production chain—from the raw materials to the finished product—and includes the latest rolling solutions for the nonferrous metals sector. Primetals Technologies is a Group Company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with around 7,000 employees worldwide. To learn more about Primetals Technologies, visit the company website www.primetals.com.
