The Ukrainian flat steel producer
Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol (
Ilyich), 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 accordingly is considering a radical modernization of its
production facilities.
"The enterprise has been tasked to significantly increase
production - to up to 16 million mt per year of sinter (previously we produced a maximum of 12.5 million mt) and up to 8 million mt of steel (historically we have never produced this much). 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,"
Ilyich's general director Vladimir Boyko has said.
At the same time, Mr. Boyko noted that, following the visit of the company's specialists to China, from late February this year
Ilyich will resume work on the construction of its pulverized coal injection (PCI) facility for blast furnaces, which is being supplied by China National Mineral Co. Ltd, in line with the contract concluded on May 18, 2006.
"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 reequipment. This is a serious matter, requiring enormous costs. Billions of dollars will be required to build
Ilyich into a new plant," Mr. Boyko said.