British Ferrexpo plc, which controls in Ukraine, in particular, Poltava and Yeristovo mining and processing plants, reduced production of pellets by 14% in January-June 2022 compared to the same period last year, to 4.797 million tonnes.
According to the company’s press release on Thursday, pellet production in the second quarter of this year decreased by 23% compared to the first quarter, and by 27% by April-June 2021, to 2.085 million tonnes.
In the first half of 2022, production of premium pellets with an iron content of 65% amounted to 4.707 million tonnes (a decrease of 13%), including in the second quarter – 1.994 million tonnes (a decrease of 26% compared to the previous quarter and 28% compared to the same period last of the year). Output of direct reduced iron pellets (DRI, 67% of iron) in January-June amounted to 90,000 tonnes (an increase of 33% compared to six months of 2021), which were produced in the second quarter of this year, while they were not produced in the first one.
Pellets with an iron content of 62% were not produced in January-June of the current year.
At the same time, total production of marketable products (pellets and iron ore concentrate) over six months of 2022 decreased by 16%, to 4.816 million tonnes, in the second quarter compared to the first one – by 22%, and versus April-June 2021 – by 28%, to 2.103 million tonnes. In particular, output of commercial concentrate over six months of 2022 decreased by 88%, to 19,000 tonnes, the entire volume was produced in the second quarter, while there was no output in January-March.
The company explains the decline in pellet production by the ongoing war of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the associated logistical restrictions. The Group continues to operate one to three of its pelletizing lines, reflecting the availability of logistics in Ukraine.
Sales in the first half of 2022 were 4.4 million tonnes, a decrease of 21% year-on-year and reflecting logistical constraints. At the same time, the group is negotiating with a number of logistics providers to resume access to maritime markets through neighboring countries.
Jim North, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrexpo, noted in his comment that the company continues to work and adapt its business in Ukraine as new risks emerge.
“We also continue to be impressed by the remarkable resilience of the people of Ukraine, despite the continual bombardment over the last four months. Our production result in the second quarter of 2022 reflects the determination of our people, our suppliers and our customers… In terms of logistics availability, which remains the largest constraint on our business at the present time, we are advancing efforts to increase seaborne exports and have made initial deliveries to customers,” he said.
Ferrexpo is an iron ore company with assets in Ukraine.
