Pyongyang, December 12 (KCNA) -- The DPRK has registered great achievements this year in technological updating of the metal industry.

The Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex finished the building of a heating furnace based on high-temperature air combustion and started operating a new rolled iron plate production system.

The newly-built furnace, with a long serviceable life, doubles the former in thermal efficiency, while reducing the oxidation rate of blooms.

The Songjin Steel Complex newly built an oxygen melting furnace and a shaft pellet oxidizing roasting furnace and reconstructed or updated production processes to boost steel output.

The Posan Steel Works of the Chollima Steel Complex, Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex and Chongjin Steel Plant have increased production with locally available raw materials and fuel.

Meanwhile, scientists applied a new technology of producing self-baking electrode, which makes it possible to produce self-baking electrodes with no cokes and graphite but anthracite.

The technology marked another great turn in the development of the metallurgical industry.