Outokumpu Will Help Hernic Ferrochrome to Become 4th Largest Ferrochrome Producer

Outokumpu Technology has agreed with Hernic Ferrochrome to deliver technology for a new ferrochrome production plant for Hernic's expansion project in Brits, South Africa. New technology combined with the expansion will further enhance Hernic's global competitiveness - its charge chrome production capacity will increase by 60% to 420 000 mtpa. Following the completion of the project, Hernic will become the world's fourth largest ferrochrome producer.

Outokumpu Technology's delivery includes technology, basic engineering, design of the furnace, the main process equipment, supervision of the installation and commissioning. The ferrochrome plant will consist of a 75 MVA closed furnace with preheating and a 360 000 mtpa steel belt sintering line. The new production plant is expected to become operational at the end of 2005.

The energy-efficient ferrochrome production technology has been developed at Outokumpu's Tornio works and it is successfully used by several major ferrochrome producers worldwide. Outokumpu has delivered a similar plant for Hernic in 1998.