Steel plant in Kryvyi Rih being placed in cold idle mode due to missile attacks

ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih is starting the process of placing its steel plant in cold idle mode.

Source: a statement on the ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih website

Quote: "The decision follows four devastating missile attacks that killed six employees, injured more than 18 others and forced the suspension of primary metallurgical production."

Details: Over the next two months, the company will prepare for and carry out a safe shutdown of production, then preserve its industrial assets so that operations can resume once hostilities have ended.

"I want to emphasise that a cold idle is not just a suspension of production. Our number one priority is to protect our people and industrial assets so that we can resume operations at the earliest possible opportunity," said Mauro Longobardo, CEO of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih.

"The ArcelorMittal Group is not leaving Ukraine. According to our current assessment, safe operation is impossible as long as the war continues," he added.

Background:

• It was previously reported that ArcelorMittal was halting operations at ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine's largest steel plant, following four missile strikes over the past five weeks.
• On 17 August, ArcelorMittal reported a missile strike that damaged key energy and blast furnace production facilities. Two people were killed, 13 were injured, and some production processes were suspended.
• The Cabinet of Ministers is postponing funding for non-critical construction, reconstruction, capital repairs and landscaping due to the difficult situation with state finances and delays in some international aid.

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