Environment Protection
Mechel seeks to use natural resources rationally, monitors compliance with environment protection laws and makes continuous efforts to improve its ecological performance.
Our environment protection activity is based on systematic monitoring of ecological data and oriented on minimization of negative impact on the environment. We pay particular attention to appraising and decreasing ecological risks. All implemented and ongoing modernization projects involve the use of advanced production technologies and modern environmental protection equipment.
In addition, the company builds a close dialogue with local communities, which allows to promptly respond to their requests and to improve environmental programs.
Mechel annually identifies and assesses risks, analyses ecological risk events and develops measures to mitigate them.
Air protection
Mechel recognizes that waste emissions into air caused by its operations have an impact on the environment, and acknowledges the need to reduce those emissions.
Mechel regularly measures and calculates emissions using methods outlined by Russia’s natural resources and ecology ministry, engaging internal or external specialized laboratories accredited by the Federal Accreditation Service.
Sustainable water use
The company’s technological processes involve using a large amount of water. Focusing on strict compliance with the Russian water conservation laws, Mechel seeks to use water sustainably and minimize the impact on water bodies.
Mechel’s main sources of water are underground and surface water bodies, as well as sources provided by third parties under contracts with municipal water utilities and other outside organizations. The company takes only fresh water and does not withdraw water in low-water areas.
Waste and tailings management
Mechel takes all necessary measures to reduce waste generation and improve waste management methods. In terms of safe waste management, the company is governed by the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation. Mechel Nemunas UAB operates under the laws of the Republic of Lithuania and the European Union. When contracts are signed with third-party organizations to perform construction, repairs and other work on the Group’s premises, ownership and responsibility for management of waste generated as a result of the contractor’s activities are always defined.
The Group includes a specialized unit, Mechel Materials OOO, that is responsible for processing metallurgical slag. The processing and reuse of raw materials obtained from metallurgical slag helps reduce waste accumulation.
In the course of production processes, the company generates waste of hazard classes I−V, including class IV municipal solid waste. All waste of hazard classes I–III is sent by the Group for its safe disposal to specialized organizations; in doing so, Mechel always checks if those organizations have a relevant licence and corresponding experience. Employees dealing with waste undergo mandatory training in management of waste of hazard classes I–IV (category I).
Biodiversity and land conservation
Mechel pays special attention to conservation of land resources and biodiversity in the territories where it operates. The company does not own, lease or manage any land located within specially protected natural areas (SPNAs).
The company makes systematic effort to preserve biodiversity in the regions where it operates, which include rivers and lakes among other natural sites. The Group’s enterprises meet their legal obligations to replenish aquatic biological resources if operating close to such sites.
Mechel takes a responsible approach to restoration of disturbed areas since open-pit mining and construction of slag dumps, sludge tanks, tailings storage facilities and other production facilities lead to disturbance of lands. The company is implementing its own Disturbed Land Rehabilitation Program that outlines its obligations to arrange and finance rehabilitation and to ensure timely decommissioning of deposits and their mothballing in line with Russian laws.