Mechel OAO commissioned a new electric steelmaking complex at Izhstal OAO. The new facility, which comprises an electric arc furnace and a continuous slab caster, will have an annual slab production capability of more than 300,000 metric tons. A ladle metallurgy facility will be commissioned as part of the same process chain. The cost of the project totaled approximately $195 million.

The new facility marks the complete transition of Izhstal OAO to electric furnace steelmaking. This is a key phase in the company’s large-scale technical upgrade program, which calls for renovation of the steelmaking complex and modernization of steel rolling facilities. According to Mechel, plant modernization will result in more effective production, reduced costs and compliance with global quality standards.