Металлургия

In August, Avdiivka Coke [AVDK UZ, Strong BUY] increased output of 6% water content gross coke by 2.4% MoM to 377 thsd mt, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

Steel production of Alchevsk ISW [ALMK UZ, BUY] amounted to 414 thsd mt in August, down only 6% from the 7M08 average.

According to EuroWeek, the Metinvest Group is seeking a USD 2.5 bln syndicated bridge loan related to an unspecified acquisition

Azovstal [AZST UZ, U/R] reported its August production numbers in an official press release

Dniprovsky Iron & Steel Works named after Dzerzhinsky, or simply Dzerzhynka [DMKD UZ, BUY], produced only 115 thsd mt of crude steel in August 2008. According to Metal Courier, the reason is the lack of orders

The Evraz Group [EVR LI, N/R] has conducted conference calls with analysts and the press on its interim 1H08 results. Several announcements relevant to Ukrainian assets and plans were made.

According to official filings by Poltava GOK [PGOK UZ, HOLD], the company has received the first two tranches of a USD 500 mln loan

Vladimir Boyko, the CEO of Mariupol Illich Iron & Steel Works [MMKI UZ, BUY], warned that his company may cease operation within two to three days due to lack of orders. At a meeting in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Boyko said that there was only two production days left of orders. According to some reports, he said that after two days the plant may halt its production.

Dnipropetrovsk Iron & Steel Works named after Petrovsky [DMZP UZ, BUY], or Petrovka, has completed a USD 25 mln, 50-day upgrade of its Blast Furnace No. 2. According to UGMK.info, as the next step in blast furnace shop advancements, Petrovka plans to upgrade BF No. 5 in 2010.

According to Kommersant-Ukraine, an obscure Russian company – Prospetsinvest LLC – is interested in the Ukrainian State Company Rovenki Anthracite. For starters, Prospetsinvest will contribute USD 120 mln in equipment and USD 60 mln in investments in return for 40% of profits, as agreed in a collaboration agreement. Kommersant-Ukraine also notes that in the future, should Rovenki Anthracite come up for privatization, Prospetsinvest will have priority as a past collaborator with the company.