OAO Severstal, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated steel and steel-related mining companies, announced that the Cherepovets Steel Mill, one of the world’s largest integrated steelmaking plants and part of the Severstal Russian Steel division, has launched the reconstruction of its gas-cleaning units.

Andrei Lutsenko, Manufacturing Director and Chief Engineer, Division Severstal Russian Steel commented, "The project with the total cost of 340 million rubles will enable us to reduce emissions of silicon dioxide by 284 tonnes annualy"

Key components of Severstal’s corporate social responsibility policy are a responsible use of natural resources and a continuous aim to reduce harmful atmospheric emissions. In October 2011, the company announced that Severstal initiated a major project to reduce atmospheric emissions at the Cherepovets Steel Mill. Between 2011 and 2015 investments in environmental projects at the Cherepovets Steel Mill will total approximately 9.3 billion rubles ($US 300 million).

Since the start of 2011, 12 new environmental projects and initiatives have been introduced across the Severstal Russian Steel division. Of these, half aim to minimize harmful atmospheric emissions with the other half focused on reducing water pollution.