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Products and applications

What are nickel and ferronickel?

Nickel is a naturally occurring metallic element that makes up 0.008% of the earth’s crust. It is an extremely versatile metal, as it retains its physical and mechanical characteristics even when exposed to extreme temperatures. Nickel is produced in many different forms, including granules, ingots, sheets, powder and pellets, and finds application in many industries but particularly in the manufacture of stainless steel. About 65% of all the Nickel produced is used to make stainless steel, the most common grades of which contain between 8% and 12% Nickel.

Stainless steel is one of the most important and widely used materials in today’s world. Its resistance to corrosion, malleability, weldability, reliability, ease of cleaning and hygienic properties, among others, give it a vast range of applications.

Nickel is also used in combination with other metals to produce what are known as alloys. Ferronickel is just such an alloy; a combination of Nickel and Iron.

Ferronickel ingots

Cunico Resources’ production facilities specialize in producing ingots of clean iron (70-80%) in addition to nickel produced. This results in a beneficial cooling effect during stainless steel production, which keeps temperatures even lower than those achieved using scrap.

Physical properties

Our ingots are free of any artificial sources of radiation and are typically made to the following specifications:

Dimensions:

615 x 275 x 55 mm

Weight:

Approximately 15kg each

Specifications

Mineral composition	Typical (%)	Indicative (%)
Ni	17 – 24	22
Co	1.2 max	0.8
Si	0.02 max	0.01
C	0.02 max	0.01
P	0.020 max	0.002
As	0.15 max	0.12
S	0.25 max	0.20
Cu	0.10 max	0.06
Cr	0.003 max	0.002
Fe	Balance	Balance

* Ingots are free from any artificial source of radiation

Applications

Our clients use our ingots in a number of ways including:

• Electric arc furnaces
• Oxygen / AOD converters
• Induction furnaces
• VOD installations

Ferronickel granules

Cunico Resources’ production facilities also specialize in producing granules of clean iron (70-80%) in addition to nickel produced. This results in an additional cooling effect during stainless steel production, which keeps temperatures even lower than those achieved using scrap.

Physical properties

FENI Industries granules are available in shot form and typically adhere to the following standard specifications:

Grain size:

Approximately 4-30mm

Bulk density:

3.2-3.8 t/m³

Angle of repose:

40-50 degrees

The product is supplied dry, free of fines and free or any artificial sources of radiation.

Specifications

Typical mineral composition:	Typical (%)	Indicative (%)
Ni	17 – 24	22
Co	1.2 max	0.8
Si	0.02 max	0.01
C	0.02 max	0.01
P	0.020 max	0.002
As	0.15 max	0.12
S	0.25 max	0.20
Cu	0.10 max	0.06
Cr	0.003 max	0.002
Fe	Balance	Balance

Packaging and Handling

FENI Industries granules are developed for use in automatic handling and storage equipment. They are usually supplied in bulk, transported in specially designed containers and ‘big-bags’ with a carrying capacity of 2 tons. They can be handled by electro-magnets, buckets, belt conveyors, vibrating conveyors and bucket conveyors, and can be added continuously and in precisely controlled quantities.

Owing to their physical properties, no handling or cleaning out of FENI Industries granules will pollute the product or lead to mineral losses. This puts handling costs of our granules at a minimum.

Applications

Our clients use our granules in a number of ways including:

• Electric arc furnaces
• Oxygen / AOD converters
• Induction furnaces
• VOD installations

Slag

Slag is a by-product of the ore-smelting process. There are two types, namely electro slag and converter slag, each of which can be used in various applications, such as an insulation material, as an abrasive, or in the construction of roads. It is also widely utilized in the cement industry which makes it particularly useful.

Both types of slag are produced at FENI Industries in Kavadarci and NewCo Ferronikeli in Drenas.

Our Slags are registered under REACH regulation.