Azovstal Iron and Steel Works

The Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, or Azovstal Metallurgical Combine (, ; PFTS: AZST), was a metallurgical facility located in Mariupol in eastern Ukraine, and one of the largest steel rolling companies in the country.

The Azovstal plant became one of the most emblematic points of the siege of Mariupol during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The plant had tunnels and bunkers capable of withstanding a nuclear attack,[2] making it an extremely defensible position. As the Russian forces advanced into Mariupol, Ukrainian forces withdrew to Azovstal,[3] and by late April 2022 it became the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the city. The battle of Azovstal occurred on the site, culminating in the surrender of the remaining Ukrainian defenders after over a month of resistance.

The plant was almost completely destroyed by Russian bombardment over the course of the battle.[4][5] After the capture of Mariupol, the Russians announced plans for the remains of the plant to be demolished during the city's restoration.[6]

History

Soviet era

Azovstal was established in 1930 in Mariupol, Ukrainian SSR (Soviet Union) by the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (BCHX) (USSR). During its construction, a Neolithic cemetery was discovered on the grounds, and from August to October, 124 graves and many sets of grave goods were excavated, with its finds publicized in 1933.[7]

During World War II, German forces occupied the plant from October 1941.[8] As part of the German Ivan Program (1942–1943) the plant was used to produce ammunition from 1942 onward.[9] In September 1943, upon the city's recapture by Soviet forces, the plant was rebuilt.[10]

Ukrainian independence

In 1991, after the independence of Ukraine, the plant became a property of the Ukrainian state. In 1996, the state started its privatization.[11] The plant became owned by Metinvest, a metallurgical company solely owned by the Ukrainian business conglomerate Systems Capital Management.[12]

In 2005, the plant produced 5.906 million tons of steel.[13] From 2006, it partnered with the Priazovskiy State Technical University to help streamline students into working at the site.[14] In 2011, it was the country's third largest steel producer, accounting for 15% of the entire steel output, and known as a large exporter of steel slabs and billets.[12] In 2014, the bunkers under the plant were used when Russian-backed Donbas separatists

Russian invasion of Ukraine

In March 2022, during the siege of Mariupol, the works were badly damaged, with Ukrainian parliament member Serhiy Taruta stating that Russian forces had "practically destroyed the factory".[15] By 16 April, it became the last pocket of organized resistance in the siege. Russian forces gave the defenders until 6:00 am Moscow Time on 17 April to surrender, claiming that if they left behind their weapons, they would guarantee their lives.[16] Ukrainian forces refused to surrender, and portions of the plant remained under their control.[17]

On 4 May, Russian troops claimed to have entered the steel plant after launching an all-out offensive.[18] However, this was refuted by Ukrainian sources, claiming they had repelled some Russian attacks.[19] On 7 May, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk

native name	Mеталургійний Kомбінат Азовсталь
native name lang	uk
type	Private, Combine
fate	Destroyed during the siege of Mariupol
foundation	February 2, 1930
defunct	20 May 2022
location city	Mariupol
location country	Ukraine
key people	Rinat Akhmetov, Enver Tskitishvili (Энвер Омарович Цкитишвили) (April 2011 – May 2022) (General Director)
industry	Steel production
net income	₴558,417,000 (2016)
owner	Metinvest B.V. Metinvest International
num employees	12,293
num employees year	2015‡R1R‡
parent	Metinvest
subsid	Sigma TV Channel Sygma TV Channel Firma Marita AzovMed
homepage	azovstal.metinvestholding.com

Azovstal Iron and Steel Works

History

Soviet era

Ukrainian independence

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Environmental impacts

Layout

Management

See also

External links

References