Metinvest increased environmental spending by 18% in 2025

Metinvest Group increased environmental expenditures by $30 million in 2025, with energy efficiency spending rising by a further $13 million, according to the Group’s 2025 integrated annual report.

Total environmental expenditure amounted to $193 million, of which 24% was allocated to capital investment. The bulk of spending was directed at repair works to ensure environmental compliance, minimize environmental impact and maintain effective waste management. Funds were also channeled into a tailings thickening project at Northern Iron Ore (GOK) aimed at reducing the volume of pulp sent to the tailings storage facility.

In 2025, Metinvest allocated approximately $30 million to energy efficiency and energy security projects, an 80% increase year-on-year. The growth was driven by the rollout of in-house power generation, implementation of energy service projects, and efficiency improvements at individual production sites.

Overall, the Group’s direct energy consumption fell by 9% year-on-year in 2025 to 53,082 TJ. The decline was primarily attributable to the shutdown of coke battery No. 1 at Kamet Steel, optimisation of coke use in pig iron production, and the suspension of operations at Ingulets Iron Ore (GOK) and Pokrovske Coal.

At the same time, 536 TJ was saved specifically through energy efficiency projects. Energy conservation measures encompassed a range of initiatives across the Group’s Ukrainian assets. For instance, at the pelletizing facilities of Central Iron Ore (GOK) and Northern GOK, natural gas was partially replaced with crushed sunflower husks as biofuel. This substitution reduced natural gas consumption and lowered the energy intensity of pellet production at Pivnichnyi GOK from 0.460 GJ/t in 2024 to 0.423 GJ/t in 2025.

In response to repeated attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Metinvest is strengthening its energy independence strategy with the goal of significantly increasing the share of in-house generation over the coming years. In 2022–2025, the Group acquired over 230 diesel generators with a combined capacity of approximately 23 MW, as well as 12 gas piston generators with a total capacity of nearly 30 MW.

Looking ahead, Metinvest plans to install gas piston generating units with a combined planned capacity of at least 120 MW and solar power plants with a capacity of around 37 MW, which are expected to support approximately 20% of its current production capacity in Ukraine. The Group is also developing “energy islands” – self-sufficient power systems – at its key assets in Kryvyi Rih and Kamianske.