It is reported that the Ukrainian flat steel producer Mariupol Ilyich Iron and Steel Works, which merged with Ukraine’s largest mining and steel group Metinvest in July 2010, is planning to significantly increase its output within the priorities set out by Metinvest and is considering a radical modernization of its production facilities.
Mr. Vladimir Boyko, GD of Ilyich, said “The enterprise has been tasked to significantly increase production to up to 16 million tons per year of sinter and up to 8 million tons of steel. To achieve the given targets, Ilyich will carry out the reconstruction of its main workshops to the most up to date levels. In the next four to five years the open-hearth shop will be completely closed”.
Mr. Boyko noted that, following the visit of the company specialists to China, in late February Ilyich will resume work on the construction of its pulverized coal injection facility for blast furnaces which is being supplied by China National Mineral Co Ltd. in line with the contract concluded on May 18 2006.
He said, “I think that within the next three months a clear program will be adopted for the development of Metinvest Holding, including the program for its re-equipment. This is a serious matter, requiring enormous costs. Billions of dollars will be required to build Ilyich into a new plant”. (SteelOrbis)