Mechel Announces the Commissioning of an Automated Alumina Transshipment Complex at Port Kambarka OAO

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Mechel OAO, one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces the commissioning of an automated alumina transshipment complex, Albatross, at its subsidiary, Port Kambarka OAO, in line with its technical re-equipment plan.

The commissioning of the self-propelled weighing complex, Albatross, took place on July 7 during the celebration of Port Kambarka's 65th anniversary. This complex is the only self-propelled equipment of this kind in Russia and is designed for transshipping alumina from river to railway transport.

The first technical startup of the Albatross self-propelled weighing complex was performed in the port on April 25, 2007. The complex is installed on a self-propelled gantry equipped with an automation and control system. The complex is controlled by an operator from a cabin, which is a part of the complex. The complex is equipped with bunker scales, metering, video control, loading, compressed air preparation, and emergency valve systems.

"Port Kambarka faces the new season equipped with the state-of the-art loading equipment. The Albatross complex is designed for transshipping pulverulent and fine-grained bulk cargoes from river to railway transport. With this complex, we are able to increase cargo transshipping volumes, reduce loading time and improve the working conditions of the personnel. In addition, using the new complex enables Port Kambarka to enter the logistic system of alumina transportation for Russian aluminum plants," Mechel Management Company's Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Polin commented.

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Mechel is one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore, nickel, steel, rolled products, and hardware. Mechel products are marketed domestically and internationally.

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Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of Mechel, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. We do not intend to update these statements. We refer you to the documents Mechel files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. These documents contain and identify important factors, including those contained in the section captioned "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward- Looking Statements" in our Form 20-F, that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, volatility in stock markets or in the price of our shares or ADRs, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.


Source: Mechel OAO

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