Metso Outotec has signed an agreement to deliver essential equipment to expand an existing production line at the Ferrexpo Poltava Mining iron ore grate-kiln pellet plant in Horishni Plavni, Ukraine.

The company said the order includes major modifications to the travelling grate, rotary kiln and annual cooler. It will increase the kiln's production line to over six million tons of iron ore pellets per year, according to Metso Outotec.

The equipment order will cost approximately €18 million ($20.43 million).

Chris Urban, vice president, heat transfer products at Metso Outotec, said the two companies have "developed a strong relationship." Additionally, he said the latest project at the Poltava plant would "substantially increase production" and cause "considerable improvements" in fuel and power consumption.

Jim North, interim chief executive officer at Swiss-based mining company Ferrexpo, explained that it is deploying "modern, energy-efficient technologies" that will help it achieve more significant volumes of high-grade iron ore pellets. This, he continued, will help facilitate decarbonisation in the global steel industry.