core sector communique

Mechel Announces Re-Launch of Nerungriskaya Washing Plant

Nerungri, Russia – February 14, 2011 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and steel companies, announces the re-launching of the Nerungrinskaya washing plant at Yakutugol OAO, following the accident on December 26 which saw the collapse of three thickeners in the washing shop. The washing plant’s coking coal concentrate production equipment was started back upon February 10. Operations were resumed at the washing shop’s second and third sections, which at full load will allow the plant to maintain pre-accident levels of concentrate production. Repairs are ongoing at the shop’s first section. The Nerungrinskaya washing plant’s re-start was preceded by major repair works to eliminate the accident’s aftereffects, restore steelwork, strengthen the thickeners’ assembly and prepare the equipment for operation.