Prolonged disconnections of mining and metallurgical enterprises from the power grid may lead to serious economic and technogenic consequences, as such facilities are unable to operate using alternative power sources.
This was reported by Ekonomichna Pravda, according to PromPolitInform.
In a comment to the outlet, Metinvest stated that metallurgical and mining enterprises operate continuous technological processes and require stable, high-capacity industrial electricity supply.
“The production processes of the mining and metallurgical complex cannot be technically replaced by decentralized solutions without the risk of production shutdowns, accidents, and irreversible equipment damage,” Metinvest noted. Unlike commercial or service-sector facilities, autonomous generators are not a viable solution for such sites.
The Ukrmetalurhprom association warns that prolonged power outages at mining and metallurgical enterprises would have large-scale consequences for the national economy. Even under wartime conditions, the sector accounts for a significant share of Ukraine’s gross domestic product — 7.2% in 2024, including related industries — and provides more than 15% of exports as well as substantial foreign currency revenues.
In addition, the mining and metallurgical complex employs more than 63,000 people, and together with related industries supports around 400,000 jobs. In 2024, the metallurgical and mining sectors generated approximately UAH 36 billion in tax revenues, while the overall multiplier effect for the economy is estimated at UAH 180 billion, particularly in regions where enterprises are located.
Technogenic risks pose an additional threat. Mining and metallurgical facilities are classified as high-risk sites and require uninterrupted power supply to prevent accidents and disasters. Metallurgical plants also play an important role in supporting the operation of local social and municipal infrastructure.
At present, the energy supply situation remains extremely difficult. Due to massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Metinvest’s assets in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions have been repeatedly forced to suspend operations in recent months.
However, thanks to partial availability of in-house power generation and prompt actions by personnel, the company has managed to avoid technogenic disasters and restore production after eliminating the consequences of emergency power outages.
As previously reported, Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group is investing more than $44 million in its own power generation facilities — including gas-fired engine plants and solar power stations — to protect production from wartime energy risks.
It is also recalled that Metinvest was recognized as the leader in investments in energy independence among 20 Ukrainian companies developing their own power generation.
Photo: metinvestholding.com
