Norilsk Nickel plans to complete the development of a technological solution for its Sulfur Program at the Medny metallurgical plant by the end of this year, said the president of the company Vladimir Potanin.
Currently, the first stage of the Sulfur Program is being implemented at the Nadezhda metallurgical plant. The second stage will be the modernization of the Medny plant, the press service of Norilsk Nickel explained.
"These are not simple solutions, because it will require finding not only a technological solution for capturing sulfur dioxide, but also technological solutions for the modernization of the plant itself," Potanin said.
"It was relatively easier at the Nadezhda plant. Many Western partners refused to cooperate with us, and we had to rework the project, look for alternative sources of supplies. We've dealt with it. At a copper plant, the task is an order of magnitude more difficult. Because there are two technological lines – both ecological and actual production, which need to be modernized. We are working on this, and by the end of the year such decisions will be formulated and reported to the Prime Minister."
In September, the Sulfur Program will begin at the Nadezhda plant which will allow to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 20% this year compared to the base level of 2015. And in 2024, emissions are planned to be reduced by 45%.
When the program is launched at the Medny plant, emissions will decrease tenfold, the president of Norilsk Nickel said.
Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished
