Izhstal, a subsidiary of the Russian mining and steel producing company Mechel, has said that in 2009 it will move away from steel production by open-hearth furnace (OHF) and switch completely to use of electric arc furnace (EAF).
Currently, Izhstal is proceeding with preparatory work for the construction of a new billet continuous caster, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 mt. It is also carrying out preparatory work for the construction of a new ladle furnace and also for the installation of the equipment necessary for steel treatment outside the blast furnace.