Metals and Mining

Avdiivka Coke [AVDK UZ, Strong BUY] has increased output by 40.1% to 2.377 mln mt in 1H08.

In June 2008, Khartsyzsk Tube Works [HRTR UZ, Sell] reduced output 50% MoM to 21 thsd metric tons of pipes.

Nikopol Ferroalloys [NFER UZ, N/R] reduced output 2.8% YoY to 530 thsd metric tons in 1H2008 and produced 82 thsd metric tons of ferroalloys in June.

Azovstal [AZST UZ, BUY] reported in an official press release that it has obtained the Russian Federation ISO R 9001-2001 quality control certificate.

The Russian Federation is reportedly considering introducing either quotas or duties for coking coal exports.

Dniprovsky Iron & Steel Works named after Dzerzhinsky, or simply Dzerzhynka [DMKD UZ, BUY], was given a 49-year lease for a 24 ha land plot, to be used for construction of a power and heat plant.

During 1H08, Alchevsk ISW [ALMK UZ, BUY] increased rolled products output 42.7% to 2.406 mln mt.

Alchevsk ISW [ALMK UZ, BUY] plans to launch the 3 mln mt oxygen converter No. 2 in August.

In 1H08, Ukraine increased its production of steel by 4% to 22.2 mln mt and of coke by 10% to 11.2 mln mt, but decreased its output of pipes by 10% to 1.27 mln mt.

Zaporozhkoks [ZACO UZ, N/R] conducted this year’s AGM on June 27.