SNNC, with Hatch’s input, has constructed and started-up a greenfield ferronickel smelter located adjacent to POSCO’s, Gwangyang, South Korea steelworks. The smelter will produce 30 000 tons per year of nickel to be used in POSCO’s stainless steel production.

SNNC is jointly owned by Korean steel maker POSCO, the world’s fourth-largest steel producer, and New Caledonian mining firm SMSP. The laterite ore processed at the smelter is shipped from New Caledonia where it is mined by SMSP.

Scope of Services:
Hatch designed and supplied the complete smelting system (kiln surge bin discharge to tip of molten product launders) of the project. This included calcine transfer and feed system and a 94-MW/120-MVA furnace, complete with power supply. The smelting system incorporates many of Hatch’s proprietary and patented technologies, including water-cooled elements, hold-downs, electrode columns and integrated control systems. This Hatch ferronickel furnace will have the highest power rating and production capacity in the world.

Project Highlights:
Hatch achieved SNNC’s request of maximizing fabrication of equipment in Korea to Hatch drawings and specifications. By optimizing engineering and procurement schedules, equipment packages were delivered early or on time to keep up with the impressively fast and efficient construction methodology delivered by SNNC. This combined effort enabled an aggressive schedule, with startup of the furnace in exactly 24 months after signing the contract, some two months ahead of schedule.

Project Safety:
Hatch staff completed more than 16 000 hours of construction, commissioning and start up assistance on site without a single lost-time injury.