Moscow, Russia – August 25 , 2009 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces establishing its official representative office in Seoul, the Republic of Korea.

Currently Mechel’s representative office in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is the first Russian corporate representative office in the mining and metals industry in the country. Other large Russian companies having permanent representative offices in South Korea are Russian Technologies State Corporation and Aeroflot national air carrier.

The representative office of the company will support Mechel’s business in the Republic of Korea, interact directly with South Korean partners, promote establishing new business contacts and assist in broadening Mechel’s activities in South Korea.

Mechel OAO representative office in the Republic of Korea is located at the address: No. 202, 146-5 LOFT Building, Samsung-Dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul, Korea, 135-878. Tel: + 82-10-2301-0277. Dmitry Sokolov is appointed Director of the representative office.

Mechel OAO pays much attention to broaden its business geographically. Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea, is one of the priority directions in Mechel’s business development. Thus in February, 2009 within a visit to South Korea of the Russian governmental delegation, Mechel signed a long-term agreement with Hyundai Steel of South Korea, providing annual supply of coking coal.

In addition to South Korea, Romania and Republic of Bulgaria are the countries of successful operation of Mechel’s representative offices.