Severstal has initiated cold commissioning for pelletizers and environmental systems at the Cherepovets Iron and Steel Works (CherMK). This 116 billion ruble facility aims to replace older sintering machines with modern pellet production, providing blast furnaces with internal raw materials and reducing coke consumption.

Full operations are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.

The project incorporates advanced wet desulfurization technology, achieving a 99% gas purification rate through a 7 billion ruble investment in environmental solutions. CEO Alexander Shevelev said that these technologies will cut annual pollutant emissions by 96,000 tons and greenhouse gases by 2 million tons.

Local organizations from the Vologda region, including Severstal Steel Solutions, are central to the construction and equipment supply for this large-scale industrial complex.