Christian Pfeiffer turn ladle slag into a valuable raw material in Finland
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Assistant Editor
World Cement,
After a journey of more than two years – from the initial inquiry to the signed contract – Christian Pfeiffer have completed another project. What originally started as a request for a single grinding plant gradually developed into an extensive scope of supply during the tender phase, including a pre-crushing plant and conveying technology all the way to the silos.
From testing to contract
During the tender phase, a test was carried out at the Competence Center, where important parameters such as the Bond index and specific grinding energy were determined. In addition, the customer visited a reference plant – the Kohlbacher plant in Austria – which served as the basis for many layout aspects. After more than 24 months of intensive coordination and detailed technical work, the contract could finally be signed.
A project creating value for the environment and the economy
The project was carried out on behalf of Saint-Gobain, a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction – specifically for the construction chemicals and mortar business in cooperation with SSAB steel mill in Raahe, Finland.
There, ladle slag will be processed in the future – an industrial sidestream previously considered challenging to handle. Through processing, it is now turned into a valuable raw material that can replace cement. The result is impressive: around 20 000 tpy of CO2 are saved – a significant contribution to sustainability and resource efficiency.
Technology, challenges, and teamwork
The main equipment consists of a ball mill 2.2 x 5.0 m and a QDK-F 17-Z separator. One of the major challenges was to cope with high abrasive material, avoiding any dust formation and at the same time remove iron from the ladle slag – without losing valuable material. Our flexibility was particularly appreciated, especially the seamless integration of components tested by the customer or supplied by third parties, such as a VSI crusher and a magnetic separator, into the plant design.
After the order, additional time pressure arose: the mill had to be delivered before the start of winter 2024, as snow would have endangered the construction of the mill building roof. An unusual but quick solution was found – long road transportation. Despite the adventurous route, the mill reached its destination on time.
Official commissioning
In September 2025, the plant was officially inaugurated with a delegation from our team present in the ceremony. The collaboration between Saint-Gobain and Christian Pfeiffer working together for a common target was key for the project success, as recognised by both parties.
Conclusion
This project impressively demonstrates what can be achieved through technical expertise, close cooperation, and flexibility. An industrial side product becomes a valuable raw material for building materials – and Christian Pfeiffer provides the technology to make it happen.
Click here for free registration to World Cement
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/16122025/christian-pfeiffer-turn-ladle-slag-into-a-valuable-raw-material-in-finland/
You might also like
The World Cement Podcast
A podcast series for professionals in the cement industry featuring short, insightful interviews. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to start listening today.
