Kambarka, Russia – July 9, 2007 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announces the commissioning of an automated alumina transshipment complex, Albatross, at its subsidiary, Port Kambarka OAO, in line with its technical re-equipment plan.

The commissioning of the self-propelled weighing complex, Albatross, took place on July 7 during the celebration of Port Kambarka’s 65th anniversary. This complex is the only self-propelled equipment of this kind in Russia and is designed for transshipping alumina from river to railway transport.

The first technical startup of the Albatross self-propelled weighing complex was performed in the port on April 25, 2007. The complex is installed on a self-propelled gantry equipped with an automation and control system. The complex is controlled by an operator from a cabin, which is a part of the complex. The complex is equipped with bunker scales, metering, video control, loading, compressed air preparation, and emergency valve systems.

“Port Kambarka faces the new season equipped with the state-of the-art loading equipment. The Albatross complex is designed for transshipping pulverulent and fine-grained bulk cargoes from river to railway transport. With this complex, we are able to increase cargo transshipping volumes, reduce loading time and improve the working conditions of the personnel. In addition, using the new complex enables Port Kambarka to enter the logistic system of alumina transportation for Russian aluminum plants,” Mechel Management Company's Chief Executive Officer Vladimir Polin commented.