Mechel halts production at Southern Urals Nickel Plant

Russian mining and steel group Mechel has reported halting production at its Southern Urals Nickel Plant. Considering persistent negative trends in the global nickel market and unfavorable forecasts for its recovery in the foreseeable future, the plant will halt production for the long term and will prepare its equipment for a long-term shutdown in order to minimize the plant’s losses. The plant’s employees will be offered up to 1,500 jobs at other Mechel enterprises, including Mechel’s newest production facilities that are currently being commissioned.