ArcelorMittal Krivoi Rog doubles steel output in Q1

MOSCOW. April 16 (Interfax) - The ArcelorMittal Krivoi Rog (AMKR) steel works in Ukraine boosted crude steel output 90% year-on-year to 278,000 tonnes in Q1 2024, Ukrainian media reported, quoting a company statement.

Output of other products grew 50%-90%.

Crude steel output rose 11% compared with Q4 2023 while iron ore concentrate output grew 38%, to 1.775 million tonnes. Output of blast furnace coke rose 16% to 245,000 tonnes, pig iron 3% to 1.775 million tonnes and steel roll 14% to 262,000 tonnes.

Iron ore concentrate output rose 50% year-on-year 14% month-on-month to 651,000 tonnes in March; blast furnace coke output grew 50% and 9%, respectively, to 84,000 tonnes; pig iron 27% and 119% to 138,000 tonnes; and steel and roll 60% to 124,000 tonnes and 116,000 tonnes, respectively - output of these grew 60% in February also.

AMKR said results for Q1 2024 reflected gradual progress in restoring production capacity.

"We plan to continue the production development program, in particular to approach 50% metallurgical capacity utilization in the near future. At the same time, steady energy supply remains a significant factor for the successful implementation of our plans," AMKR's general director, Mauro Longobardo, was quoted as saying.

ArcelorMittal Krivoi Rog is the largest producer of rolled steel in Ukraine. It specializes in the production of long products, in particular rebar and wire rod.