Posted on 10 Jul 2024
A Russian missile hit on Monday one of the administrative buildings of Northern GOK in Kryvyi Rih, part of Metinvest, which led to numerous casualties, the company says.
At least ten people were killed and 30 were injured, by preliminary estimates.
The attack did not affect iron ore production at the facility, Metinvest’s spokesperson tells Kallanish.
“We have always valued our employees as the most important part of our large mining and metallurgical company, so this loss is a huge blow to each of us,” notes the company’s chief executive, Yuriy Ryzhenkov. “The company will provide comprehensive assistance to the families of the deceased and injured employees.”
According to Ryzhenkov, Russia is openly targeting Ukrainian enterprises that sustain cities, as well as peaceful residents and children.
In January-May, Northern GOK produced 3.22 million tonnes of ore concentrate, up by 73% on-year, and 1.73mt of pellet, up 54%, according to its data. The company ships iron ore pellet to European countries and ore concentrate to China.
ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih (AMKR) strongly condemned the violence and aggression directed against peaceful citizens. “Now, more than ever, we are united in our desire to work and live peacefully in our country. Our steel support is with you today,” the enterprise notes.
Earlier, Metinvest announced it will focus on equipment repairs and mining development in 2024-2025 (see Kallanish passim). The group’s enterprises are currently operating at 65-70% of capacity.
In the first quarter, the group decreased production of crude steel by 5% quarter-on-quarter to 469,000t. Hot metal output fell 5% to 403,000t. Compared to Q1 2023, Metinvest reduced crude steel output by 4% and pig iron by 10%.
Source:Kallanish
