**Ukraine’s Largest Steelmaker Suspends Operations at Donetsk Oblast Site**
Metinvest, Ukraine’s largest steel producer, has stopped work at its Pischane coal plant in Donetsk Oblast. The company made this decision due to the increasing danger of Russian attacks on the area.
The closure is happening because Russian troops are moving closer to the town of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub for Ukraine. Metinvest has evacuated its core personnel and their families from the site. The company will continue to monitor the security situation with local authorities.
**Impact on Steel Production**
Pischane was the largest coking coal producer in Ukraine and one of the largest in Eastern Europe. It provided half of Metinvest’s coal volume, which is used to make steel at the company’s many plants. If the mine remains closed, Ukrainian steel production could decrease to 2-3 million metric tons per year, down from a projected 7.5 million by the end of 2024.
**Russian Advance**
Russia has been pushing forward in Ukraine, and Ukraine has lost key positions near Pokrovsk over the past day. The Russian army is getting closer to the coal plant, making it difficult for Metinvest to keep operations running safely.
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