Due to weak market sentiment, Ukrainian pig iron and coke producer Donetsk Iron & Steel Plant (DMZ or Donetskstal) has decided to postpone the launch of its 1.5 million metric tpy capacity electric arc furnace (EAF) again, previously delayed from October 2012 to the second quarter of 2013.

The company closed its open hearth furnace in April 2012 but still kept the production of finished steel products.

However, the rolling mills mostly stay inactive due to unprofitable as the semi-product outsourcing costs were high.

At present, the company focuses on coking coal mining and production of coke and pig iron, aiming to mine 8 million tons of raw coal this year.