The first vessel (since 2025) carrying US coking coal chartered by Metinvest has arrived in Ukraine. Che bulk carrier Bison delivered 80,000 tonnes of coal from the Group’s US-based enterprise, United Coal Company (UCC). This shipment is aiming to support sustainable steelmaking operations of the Group in Ukraine following the suspension of operations Pokrovske Coal. Metinvest is expecting to receive one vessel with 80,000 tonnes of US coking coal per month to cover some share of the demand at Zaporizhstal JV and Kamet Steel.
Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest, said:
“Despite the challenging conditions in the Ukrainian steel industry due to the aggressor’s ongoing invasion, we have mobilised our resources to ensure the industry’s operation. Supplies of US coal will not only support steel production at Kamianske and Zaporizhzhia, but will also provide jobs for tens of thousands of employees and contractors, the logistics sector and the railway, tax revenues to the Ukrainian budget and a significant share of Ukraine’s foreign currency exports. Although coking coal import is more expensive than its domestic equivalent due to logistics, this is an important step to help the Ukrainian economy.”
Metinvest suspended operations at Pokrovske Coal due to the development of frontline situation, power supply shortages and the deteriorating security situation for employees. Pokrovske Coal is Ukraine’s only producer of coking coal, which is essential for the operation of metallurgical plants. It supplied a significant share of coking coal for Metinvest’s own use, as well as substantial volumes to customers both in Ukraine and abroad.
Following the suspension of operations, Metinvest switched to alternative sources of coking coal. Measures taken include the use of accumulated reserves, additional supplies of coking coal and coke obtained from third parties and increased deliveries from UCC.
John Schroder, CEO of United Coal Company, said:
“Metallurgical coal production already plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development domestically, in the US. Given the recent developments, Metinvest’s production in Ukraine needs a stable and reliable supply of coking coal to maintain critical steelmaking operations. UCC remains committed to supporting the Group and contributing to economic stability and resilience in Ukraine by ensuring consistent coal deliveries that will enable uninterrupted steel production in the country.”
United Coal Company is a producer of metallurgical coal operating in the Appalachian region of the United States. The company was founded in 2004 and was acquired by Metinvest in April 2009.
