Zaporizhstal, part of our metals and mining company Metinvest, has achieved a critical milestone in its international operations by successfully passing a re-certification audit. The plant's hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel products have been officially recognised as meeting the strict requirements of European standards EN 10025 and EN 10130. Valid for the next three years, this certification serves as a fundamental guarantee of quality for customers across the European Union and other global markets.
The audit process involved a comprehensive evaluation of production techniques, technological stability, and final product testing. Auditors noted the ability of Zaporizhstal to maintain high production standards despite the immense pressure of the war. Since the full-scale invasion by russia, industrial assets in southeastern Ukraine have faced unprecedented challenges, including logistics disruptions and direct military threats.
The renewal of these certificates demonstrates that the company has adapted its quality management systems to meet international expectations reliably.
For the city of Zaporizhzhia and the surrounding region, the continued operation of Zaporizhstal is a central component of economic security. The plant is a major employer and a critical contributor to the regional budget. By securing its presence in high-standard markets, the company protects thousands of jobs and maintains the export potential necessary for Ukraine's macroeconomic stability.
This technical achievement is supported by a strategy of continuous investment and social responsibility across the wider group. Metinvest provides unwavering support for the defence of the country. Total assistance to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion has reached UAH 9.3 billion ($225m). Among the most notable contributions are underground medical stabilisation points, built to NATO Role 2 standards, which provide frontline surgical and trauma care. Since the first facility opened, frontline medics have treated over 6,000 seriously injured soldiers.
The group's commitment to the country also extends to humanitarian initiatives. Through the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, substantial aid is directed toward civilians affected by the war, while the shareholder's support for sports, including swimming and the development of athletic infrastructure, continues to foster community health and youth engagement.
Simultaneously, the company is looking toward a sustainable future by advancing plans for green metallurgy. Investments in modernising pelletising lines with Primetals Technologies and developing a new flotation concentration complex with Metso are paving the way for the efficient use of electric arc furnaces. These initiatives are expected to yield approximately 4 million tonnes of direct reduction pellets annually.
The renewal of Zaporizhstal's EU certification confirms that, despite the ongoing war, Ukrainian metallurgy remains a reliable, high-quality, and forward-looking partner for the global market.
