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Ukraine steel output dives, but possible coking coal loss clouds outlook

Ukraine has increased its steel production up until now in 2024 by 23.1% to 7 million metric tons, information from the country's steel manufacturers union revealed on Monday, however the possible loss of an essential coking coal mine makes the outlook unsure.

Steel production has suffered since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and the destruction of leading steel plants in fighting since then. The nation was a significant steel producer and exporter before the war started.

Ukraine's rolled steel output increased by 18% to 5.7 million lots in the January to November period, while pig iron production increased by 19.8% to 6.5 million heaps, the union said in a report.

However, its steel output might fall dramatically if Ukraine loses its sole supplier of coking coal due to Russian soldiers moving closer to a mine located in the eastern town of Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian military expert DeepState said Russian soldiers were less than 7 km (4.4 miles) from Pokrovsk's borders. The mine lies 10 km (6.2 miles) west of the town, a strategic supply hub, in the opposite direction to the advancing Russian forces.

A market source told Reuters last week that the mine is still running.

The steelmakers union stated in October the possible closure of the mine could trigger steel production to drop to 2-3 million metric lots next year, from the 7.5 million expected in 2024.

Producers hope to discover alternative sources of coking coal from within Ukraine if the mine is seized by Russian troops, however imports would undoubtedly be required, increasing costs.

In 2022, Ukrainian steel output fell by 70.7% to 6.3 million loads, while in 2023 the nation produced 6 million heaps.

(source: Reuters)