The order for the greenfield iron ore pelletizing plant is the fourth that Metso Outotec has received in the past year. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

"Plant reliability and sustainable performance are key for all new pelletizing plants being built in China. Metso Outotec's technology has proven its excellence in several plants already, making it a good option for leading-edge pellet plants. Fast delivery time is also important. For example, the Bangtuo project will be completed within 17 months, including all steps from engineering to commissioning," said Mr. Li, General Manager of BSIET's Metallurgy Division.

Metso Outotec's scope of delivery covers the engineering and design of the indurating system, engineering of the process gas fan system, supply of proprietary equipment, instrumentation and control systems, as well as supervisory services and technical training. The Qingdao Bangtuo plant targets annual production of 4 million tons of pellets. Production is expected to start in 2022.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to thank BSIET and our customers in China for their trust in Metso Outotec's sustainable technology. This is the fourth pellet plant order in China we've received within 10 months, doubling our local pellet plant reference base from the four in operation amounting to almost 15 million tons of annual capacity to be built within the next two years," said Attaul H Ahmad, Vice President, ferrous & heat transfer business line at Metso Outotec.

Outotec's travelling grate pelletizing process consists of a green balling section where, after the mixing stage, green pellets are formed either by rolling on discs or in drums. The green pellets are then screened and heat-hardened in the indurating furnace.