Carbonorca reiterates need for coke calcinations plant

BNamericas reported that Venezuelan state carbon anode producer Carbonorca is once again emphasizing the urgency of installing a coke calcination plant to supply local companies.

Sutracarbonorca labor union press secretary Mr William Hernandez told BNamericas that "We want the government to understand that Carbonorca needs the coke calcination plant which, in addition to the aluminum sector, could supply the iron sector because it would produce 550,000 tonnes per annum of calcined coke."

Calcined coke consumption in Venezuela's steel and aluminum sectors averages 300,000 tonnes per annum, which the new plant could supply. Since 2009, company workers have been asking the government for the plant, as the primary problem the local industry has faced in recent years is the lack of this input.

He said that "In 2010 and 2011, Carbonorca reduced its production by up to 50% due to the lack of coke and other raw materials."

Carbonorca's goal is to replace the imports of this input that is used in the productive processes of state aluminum reducers Venalum, Alcasa, and state steelmaker Sidor.

Mr Hernandez reiterated that the installation of the calcination plant is halted due to private interests. He said that "There are intermediaries that don't want the problem of the lack of inputs to be resolved as they are making money from their involvement." In April 2011, Tehran based Isco presented a proposal to the Venezuelan government for the construction of a calcined coke plant to serve the steel and aluminum industries. Mr Hernandez said that "However, there hasn't been progress on that project either." Calcined petroleum coke is used as a carbon additive in steel mills and smelters and cathode or anode plants for the aluminum industry.