Nigeria to Build New Integrated Cast Steel Facility

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Kogi Iron Limited will build first-of-its-kind integrated cast steel plant in Nigeria in the vicinity of its Agbaja iron ore deposit in south central Nigeria. The plant will fully utilize the leased iron ore deposits as well as the nearby coal and limestone sources. The Agbaja project is located on the Agbaja Plateau in Kogi State, approximately 200 kilometers from the capital city of Abuja.

Earlier in August, the company had reported on the progress of testwork associated with the commercialization of the project. Tenova, which had overseen the bulk sample testwork programme, had confirmed successful production of beneficiated iron ore concentrate suitable for pig iron production and a refined metal suitable for the production of billet. Further, Tenova had clarified that there were no issues that would prevent the economic viability of the project as it moves to the next phase.

Following this, Kogi Iron and Steel had decided to advance the project, by progressing the financing. It had decided to appoint an independent consultant to assess the steel market in Nigeria as well as other western African markets. Sources indicate that Kogi is all set to turn out to be the country’s first domestically sourced steel company. It intends to turn the iron ore it owns into a cast steel product, which could be sold to domestic as well as outside markets. The results of the feasibility study will give a clearer picture of the project.