Qarmet advances second phase of Temirtau steel plant gasification

August 22, 2026 at 11:27 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Qarmet is expanding natural gas use at its Temirtau steel plant, targeting more than 10,000 cubic meters per hour in 2026. The second phase covers the oxygen converter shop and lime kiln No. 2, where construction is up to 90% complete on some sections. The project follows a 2025 first phase that converted blast furnace operations and plate mill furnaces to gas.

Key Facts

Qarmet plans to receive more than 10,000 cubic meters of natural gas per hour at the Temirtau plant in 2026.
The second phase targets the oxygen converter shop and lime kiln No. 2, replacing coke gas and propane-butane mixture with natural gas.
Construction and installation work on some sections has reached 90% completion, with main supports, pipelines, and shut-off valves already installed.
The first phase in 2025 converted blast furnace production and plate mill No. 1 methodical furnaces to natural gas, eliminating significant volumes of fuel oil.

Second Phase Scope

The second phase will supply more than 10,000 cubic meters of natural gas per hour to the Temirtau plant in 2026. The oxygen converter shop, where pig iron is converted into steel, will replace coke gas and propane-butane mixture with natural gas. Lime kiln No. 2 will convert shaft and rotary kilns from coke gas and fuel oil to natural gas. On the most advanced sections, certain construction and installation works have reached 90% readiness.

Construction Progress

Engineers report that the internal part of the facility has an even higher degree of completion. Main supports, pipelines, and shut-off valves have been installed, and beams, cantilever structures, L-shaped half-frames, and individual gas pipeline elements are fully assembled. Work continues at other facilities of the oxygen converter shop and lime kiln No. 2, with specialists moving to installation of metal structures, pipelines, fittings, and process equipment as construction is completed.

Modernization Context

The gasification expansion is part of a comprehensive modernization of the metallurgical plant aimed at improving economic, technological, and environmental efficiency. Using natural gas reduces dependence on fuel oil, coke gas, and propane-butane mixture, optimizes costs, and allows more flexible management of the fuel and energy balance. The project also contributes to lower emissions from traditional fuel combustion and reduces the plant's environmental impact. The creation of an extensive gas infrastructure forms the basis for further modernization of units.