Azovstal stops pig iron production

The Mariupol metallurgical plant Azovstal of Rinat Akhmetov's Metinvest group sharply reduced the output of the main types of metal products and stopped the production of pig iron due to the fall in demand and the collapse of prices in the world market. This was reported by the press service of Metinvest on Tuesday.

The message states that since November 5, the adjustment of the operating mode of blast furnace No. 3 has been made, the iron-smelting unit has been stopped until demand recovers. Blast furnace No. 5 has undergone scheduled repairs, and since November 10, the unit is being blown out. The blast furnace shop operates with three furnaces.

Steelmaking works with one converter, converter # 2 is put into reserve. The plate mill was in reserve and will be launched on November 16 to fulfill the planned order. The rest of the shops are operating normally.

“Azovstal continues to pay salaries and taxes steadily and in full. The employees of the subdivisions that are in reserve are busy with the current and major repairs of equipment, as well as with the implementation of projects to save energy and reduce the consumption of fuel and raw materials, ”said Metinvest.