Bulgaria’s largest lead and zinc smelter KCM has forecast to increase production by 50,000mt to 200,000mt per annum from the present production levels of 150,000mt. The expansion will be possible as the company is constructing a new lead refining plant and a zinc electrolysis unit.
The expansion is backed up by the United Bulgaria Bank (UBB) providing €20mn ($23mn) investment loan for the company’s expansion project. The said project is worth €130mn which included only the construction of the new unit, reported local media. This agreement was signed last week.
The completion of the project is part of KCM’s technology upgrade programme 2020-2023. The company plans to increase output by at least 25pc. Recycling capacity will increase for different types of secondary scrap of lead and zinc recycling will be up by 35pc.
KCM’s zinc is used to galvanize steel products, production of die-cast alloys of brass and bronze. Its lead is primarily used in production of batteries for auto sector and industrial sectors.
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