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Uzbekistan’s state steelmaker Uzmetkombinat has launched a $5 million overhaul of the gas-cleaning system at its electric steelmaking plant, with core works due for completion by 15 December 2026. The programme follows violations uncovered by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change during an inspection carried out between 15 and 23 October 2026.
A technical audit conducted by the plant’s own specialists alongside external organisations produced a remediation plan covering five main areas: upgrading the induced-draft fans and filtration system, cooling outgoing flue gases, improving dust capture, and reconstructing the gas-exhaust duct. Work is under way around the clock, with roughly 90 specialists operating in two shifts without halting steel production.
What Has Already Been Done
The company says it has already replaced 8,400 bag filters with units rated for higher temperatures, installed three new high-capacity induced-draft fans, cleaned the gas ducts, and fitted three emergency relief valves. Ongoing tasks include setting up convective gas cooling, enlarging and sealing the extraction hood above the electric arc furnace, and increasing the capacity of the dust-collection hopper.
Current dust-capture efficiency stands at 95.8 percent, according to the company. After the upgrade is complete, Uzmetkombinat aims to raise that figure to 98 percent. The company notes, however, that final compliance with dust and gaseous-pollutant standards will need to be confirmed through instrumental measurements and inspections by the relevant authorities — meaning the remediation is not yet formally verified.
Greening as a Complement, Not a Substitute
Alongside the technical works, Uzmetkombinat says it has planted around 300,000 trees and shrubs across its industrial and surrounding urban areas over the past three years, established an eco-zone, and is developing the UMK O’zLiDeP park as part of the national Yashil Makon greening programme. The company is explicit that tree-planting supplements rather than replaces cuts in industrial emissions.
Nariman Umerov, head of the project office, said the enterprise is working to resolve the environmental problem and intends to meet the targets set. Whether it does so on schedule will ultimately be determined by the state inspectors who triggered the programme in the first place.