OREANDA-NEWS. August 26, 2013. MMC Norilsk Nickel finalized the ore thermic furnace 2 refurbishment at Nickel plant of Polar Division. Since July 01, 2013, it has been heated technologically, gaining power by stages. The first matte was delivered at Metallurgist Day celebration (July 19-22). Now the furnace is performing a heavy duty cycle consuming 38 MW.

The capital refurbishment started at the end of 2011. Works on fire bricks lay-out of the hearth and walls of the furnace, replacement of metal framework elements, loading system, electrode section and gas-ducts capital repair were carried out by Norilsknickelremont LLC, a subsidiary of the Company.

All in all, the melting shop of the Nickel plant has four ore thermic furnaces in operation, including furnace 2, which are used to melt feed (metal bearing stock) into matte – high content non ferrous and precious metals product.