EuroWire January 2023

Corporate News

World-first magnesium extraction process production

With its patented hydrometallurgical extraction and thermal reduction process, the plant will harvest magnesium metal from a fly ash resource – a waste stream from brown coal power generation. In terms of environmental sustainability, the project converts nearly 100 per cent of the resource into valuable commodities. The released CO 2 emissions are claimed to be approximately 50 per cent less than comparable magnesium production plants. “Demand for magnesium worldwide is strong,” said David Paterson, chief executive officer at LMG. “It has the best strength-to-weight ratio of all common structural metals and is increasingly used in the manufacture of car parts, laptop computers, mobile phones and power tools. Currently, the Latrobe Valley contains 25mn tons inventory of fly ash; that is why it so important for us to have a reliable partner in this project.”

Tenova, a developer and provider of sustainable solutions for the green transition of the metals industry, has been awarded a contract by Latrobe Magnesium Limited (LMG), a company based in Australia. The scope of work is the engineering, supply and supervision of a magnesium oxide (MgO) production plant in Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia – a demonstration plant using a world-first process of combined hydromet/thermal reduction. As part of the first phase of the project, Tenova will supply a magnesium oxide plant with spray roaster technology, with a production capacity of 300kg/h. The demonstration plant will initially have capacity of 1,000 tons of magnesium metal per year; in the second stage, LMG intends to develop a commercial-scale operation with an envisaged annual production capacity in the range of 10,000 to 40,000 tons.

The contract signing by Tenova executive vice president Antonio Catalano (left) and David Paterson, CEO at LMG

Gregor Kappacher, branch manager at Tenova Austria, the competence cen tre for spray roaster technology, added, “Through many years of experience and continuous improvement of pyro hydroly sis process, Tenova is able to meet specific customer requirements. The positive and constructive cooperation with Latrobe during the development phase of the magnesium production facility was a de cisive factor to now deepen this work in the course of realisation.” The first magnesium is forecast to be produced in 2023. Tenova www.tenova.com

39 apprentices join British Steel British Steel has recruited 29 new starters at its location in Scunthorpe, UK – 12 each on mechanical and electrical apprenticeships, and a further five on structural programmes. the transformation of our business. We’ll give them first-class training and support, and they now have the chance to build an excellent career with British Steel.”

www.candorsweden.com • Electrolytic plating • Candojet hot water cleaning • Electrolytic & Ultrasonic degreasing • Welding wire cleaning and copper coating • Pickling & phosphating

The apprentices will study towards a National Apprenticeship that will directly relate to the work they are undertaking, and they will be rewarded with a progressive salary and benefits package. Mr Scott added, “All our apprentices were appointed after a rigorous selection process, so they should be proud they’ve been chosen. They are the next generation of steelmakers and I’ve every confidence they’ll be huge assets to British Steel.” British Steel www.britishsteel.co.uk

In addition, six apprentices have joined the company at Teesside Beam Mill, while a further four people have started their training with the Special Profiles business at Skinningrove. British Steel HR director Derek Scott said, “We’re delighted to welcome our new apprentices to British Steel. Given the huge levels of investment across the company and the major changes we’re undertaking on the road to net zero, they have a fantastic opportunity to support

Welding wire copper coating

Multi wire cleaning plant

Ultrasonic & Electrolytic

CANDOR Sweden AB Tel: +46 11 21 75 00 Fax: +46 11 12 63 12 Email: info@candorsweden.com Tel: +46 11 21 75 00 Fax: +46 11 12 63 12 Email: info@candorsweden.com CANDOR Sweden AB

New apprentices at British Steel in Scunthorpe

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January 2023