Metso ND Engineering has shipped two converters, each weighing 395tns and as tall as an 8 storey building, from Durban harbor to Tamatave in Madagascar. The stainless steel converters measure 14.5m in diameter and are the largest and heaviest to be built in the world. Metso ND, a long-standing member of the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association, was subcontracted by Bateman, in December 2007. Engineering activities started in January 2008 and work started in February of the same year, after stainless steel mill Columbus Stainless Steel delivered the first material. The sulphur dioxide converters were built for mining service company Dynatec Madagascar SA’s Ambatovy nickel project in Tamatave, Madagascar. Engineering and construction firm Noram Engineering Constructors was responsible for the design and technology. The converters are major pieces of equipment required for the running of the plant.
