A year ago, a Sulfur Program was launched at the Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant in Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk Territory. It is aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide emissions.
It is planned that the project will reach full capacity in 2025-2026 and will reduce emissions by 45% compared to 2015 base level.
According to the press service of Norilsk Nickel, by the end of 2024, the absolute level of sulfur dioxide emissions will be reduced by 20%. Hazardous emissions in Norilsk will be reduced by 377,000 tons.
The technologies used at the Sulfur Program make it possible to capture no less than 99% of sulfur dioxide at the main melting units, which is converted into sulfuric acid and neutralized with limestone, followed by the manufacture of gypsum.
The company commissioned production sites and storage facilities for sulfuric acid and a gypsum storage facility. The Mokulaevsky limestone deposit and other infrastructure facilities also take part in the emission disposal. The total investment in the project amounted to 180 billion rubles.
"The Sulfur program is an unprecedented environmental initiative that is being implemented in the main regions of the company's presence. The program is aimed at achieving sulfur capture indicators to match world’s best solutions at the company's key production sites," the Norilsk Nickel press service notes.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
