Elkem Limpio

• 1 arc-furnace with 11.5 MW – 15MVA
• 100 employees
• Currently producing FeSi
• Annual capacity of 11.000 mt

The plant is situated in Limpio, 25 km from Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.

The plant had been built in alignment with Elkem´s strategy for expansion in South America. The plant was initially a joint venture with an Argentinian group, but became 100% owned by Elkem in October 2017.

The start-up of the plant was in March, 2018 and the team achieved the full expected production of FeSi for the international iron and steel industry in August 2018.

The production is mainly based on local raw materials and hydroelectric power from the Itaipu powerplant.

The plant will mainly serve the South American market for ferrosilicon and foundry-alloys.

With the focus on sustainability the plant is working towards using 100% of charcoal as reductant for the furnace and eucalyptus chips to allow the proper porosity to the charge. The quartz is being extracted locally, also respecting the local legislation and the environmental requirements.

“Limpio is a pioneer plant within Elkem and in Paraguay. It is the first foundry Elkem plant in Latin America, the first 100% biocarbon fed plant in Elkem globally and it is the first ferroalloy industry in the country”