Russian pig iron and coking coal producer KOKS Group has announced it operational results for 2013.
During 2013, KOKS produced 2.09 million mt of pig iron, down one percent compared to the previous year. In the given period, the company's coal output increased by four percent year on year to 1.66 million mt, while its iron ore output amounted to 4.82 million mt, up one percent compared to 2012. During 2013, KOKS Group's coke output decreased by two percent to 2.55 million mt compared to 2012.
According to KOKS' statement, in 2013 the company enhanced its activity to increase export sales. A number of new premium coke grades were developed to improve the plant's competitive performance and this allowed the company to maintain its coke production volume practically unchanged as compared to 2012. In addition, the improved quality of coke produced by KOKS allowed an increase in pig iron production efficiency and the raising of the output volume of higher quality pig iron at the Tulachermet plant.