Construction of Phase One of Ahar Lime and Hydrated Lime Plant: Establishing High-Quality Production with Advanced Technology
Client: Azerbaijan Molybdenum and Copper Industries Company
ANIN’s Role: Project Management, Executive Supervision, and Site Supervision
Project Summary:
ANIN Engineering Company proudly played a central role in the project management, executive, and site supervision of the construction of Phase One of Ahar Lime and Hydrated Lime Plant, located in Ahar Industrial Zone, 4 km from the city of Ahar.
The primary objective of this plant is to supply the required hydrated lime for Phases 1 and 2 of the Sungun Copper Concentration Complex.
ANIN’s involvement in this project encompassed a comprehensive range of engineering, consulting, and supervisory services—from the initial feasibility studies to the plant’s full commissioning. These services included:
- Feasibility studies (technical and economic)
- Selection of technology and reputable technologist (CimProgetti, Italy)
- Drafting and negotiating the technology purchase contract
- Localization of approximately 80% of the plant’s equipment
- Basic engineering and EPC tender documentation
- Full-scope project management
- Rigorous executive and site supervision of the EPC contractor
- Oversight of the technology supply contract
- Quality control and technical inspection of materials and equipment
- Participation and supervision throughout commissioning
Plant Components and Technology:
Ahar Lime Plant consists of two key production units:
- Lime Kiln Unit with a daily capacity of 150 tons of quicklime
- Hydration Unit capable of producing 10 tons of hydrated lime per hour
In addition to the main production units, the plant includes:
- Upstream and downstream material handling systems
- Material storage facilities
- Blower building, water tanks, and pumping station
- Fuel (liquid and gas) supply systems
- Underground infrastructure and essential utilities
- Ancillary buildings (administrative, maintenance, warehouse)
- Site development and landscaping
The lime kiln unit utilizes a state-of-the-art twin-shaft vertical kiln technology, regarded as one of the most efficient and modern solutions in the lime industry.
Its advantages include:
- Significant reduction in fuel consumption
- Lower maintenance and refractory costs
- Higher efficiency and improved product quality
The hydration unit, equipped with cutting-edge international technologies, is capable of producing highly active hydrated lime while optimizing water and energy consumption.
Technology Partnership:
Collaboration with CimProgetti (Italy) as the technology provider ensured the use of the most advanced technical knowledge in the design of the kiln and hydration units. This partnership not only guarantees the high quality of the final product but also ensures compliance with the latest European environmental standards.
Project Execution and Results:
Despite numerous challenges during execution—including currency fluctuations, international sanctions, and limitations on the technologist’s on-site presence during commissioning—the project was successfully completed and delivered to the client in the first half of 2025, approximately 2.5 years after the start of construction, through the relentless efforts of ANIN’s team and the client’s continuous support.
Since commissioning, Ahar Lime Plant has operated continuously, producing high-quality hydrated lime. The plant’s product is recognized as the finest hydrated lime in western and northwestern Iran in terms of quality and activity level. Its high active lime content has significantly reduced the volume of hydrated lime required in the copper concentrate production process at the Sungun complex, thus improving overall efficiency.
ANIN Engineering Company takes pride in its contribution to this national-scale project and reaffirms its commitment to delivering top-tier engineering services and knowledge transfer in future projects. This project stands as a successful example of international collaboration and reliance on domestic engineering capabilities in the development of the country’s industrial infrastructure.
