According to Ukrainian state-run company Derzhzovnishinform, due to problems with deliveries of raw materials, seven mining-metallurgical companies based in the east of Ukraine have halted their operations.
The companies in question are Yenakievo, Alchevsk, Makeevka and Donetsk Iron and Steel Works, Stakhanov Ferroalloy Plant, Donetsk Electrometallurgical Plant and Electrostal.
This halting of operations endangers foreign contracts. Because of the military activity in Donbass, Ukraine has already lost 1.2 million mt of coal. Now the country plans to purchase 1 million mt of coal from South Africa. The agreement has been signed and the coal is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. In addition, Ukraine will also buy Russian coal.