Mechel Commissions New EAF in Russia

Mechel OAO, a Russian mining and steel company, announced that it has commissioned a new electric steelmaking complex at its Izhstal, Russia, location. The electric steelmaking complex consists of an electric arc furnace (EAF) with a capacity of 40 metric tons, as well as a continuous slab caster. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Mechel says that when operational, the facility will have an annual slab production capability of more than 300,000 metric tons.

The release announced that in addition to the electric arc furnace and continuous slab caster, a ladle metallurgy facility will be commissioned as part of the same process chain.

The company says that the commissioning of the new facility will mark complete transition of Izhstal OAO to electric furnace steelmaking. The release notes that the move is one of the key stages for the plant's large-scale technical upgrade program, which provides for renovation of steelmaking complex and modernization of steel rolling facilities of Izhstal OAO.

The investment to the project will total around $195.6 million.

“Technical modernization of the plant will result in more effective production, reduced costs, compliance with global quality standards and will allow us to satisfy the demand for specialty steel grades by the automobile, aircraft, aerospace and construction industries,” says Igor Zyuzin, chairman of Mechel. “Of no less importance for us is the social dimension of this project: Technical upgrade of the plant will eventually mean more taxes paid to the budgets of all levels, new jobs creation, compliance with the latest safety requirements, and significant reduction of air emissions in the city of Izhevsk.”