Moscow, Russia – February 12, 2009 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces the preliminary registration of its subsidiaries’ products for compliance with the European Union’s REACH Regulations and obtaining the certificate of compliance with the European standards for the fiber produced by one of Mechel’s subsidiaries, Mechel Nemunas (Kaunas, Lithuania).

In November 2008, Mechel’s plants passed the preliminary registration for substances supplied to the European Union countries in compliance with the Regulations ES #1907/206 of the European Union and Council (REACH is the European Union’s regulations regarding registration, evaluation, authorization, and restrictions of chemicals production and application). Pursuant to the registration rules, the Single Representative of Mechel’s Russian enterprises in the European Union is Mechel’s Lithuanian subsidiary, Mechel Nemunas. Mechel’s Romanian subsidiaries, Mechel Targoviste, Mechel Campia Turzii and Ductil Steel passed the preliminary registration procedure sui juris.

Passing this preliminary registration in compliance with the REACH Regulation is an indispensable condition for entering the markets of the European countries. Products that obtained European preregistration include those produced by the following Mechel subsidiaries: Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant OAO, Izhstal OAO, Southern Urals Nickel Plant OAO, Vyartsilya Metal Products Plant ZAO, Bratsk Ferroalloy Plant OOO, Mechel Coke OOO, Tikhvin Smelting Plant ZAO, Moscow Coke and Gas Plant OAO, Beloretsk Metallurgical Plant OAO, Urals Stampings Plant OAO, Chelyabinsk Branch of Urals Stampings Plant OAO, Mechel Targoviste, Mechel Campia Turzii and Ductil Steel.

Additionally, in January 2009, Mechel Nemunas obtained a certificate of compliance with the European standards for the fiber it manufactures. Fiber is an innovative product used to increase the strength of concrete structures. A fiber production line was commissioned at Mechel Nemunas in the fall of 2008. Having obtained the European quality certificate, Mechel is now capable of supplying fiber to the European construction market.

“Obtaining European preregistration significantly increases our products’ competitiveness and broadens our presence in the European markets. Obtaining the European certificate for the fiber manufactured by our Lithuanian subsidiary confirms that Mechel’s products can successfully compete in the international markets and that Mechel remains committed to providing the highest quality products and services to its customers,” Mechel OAO Senior Vice President Vladimir Polin commented.