ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih starts preparations for cold shutdown

ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih has announced that it is moving its plant into cold idle mode. Preparing for and safely stopping production will take the next two months, followed by preservation of its industrial assets.

RIA Novosti reported the announcement on October 10, citing the company's statement. The steel plant had previously reported a partial suspension of production in August.

Chief executive Mauro Longobardo said preserving assets for a possible future restart was the company's priority. He stressed that the ArcelorMittal Group was not leaving Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda, also citing the company's statement, reported that the decision followed four missile attacks. The company said it could not operate safely while the war continued.

The latest step involves both halting output and preparing equipment and other industrial assets for an extended idle period. The announced two-month timetable concerns shutdown preparations and execution, rather than a restart. The company did not announce a date for returning to production.