Azovstal iron and steel works
Metallurgical Combine Azovstal () (PFTS: AZST) is one of the largest steel rolling companies in Ukraine. The metallurgical plant was almost completely destroyed by Russian bombardment during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Siege of Mariupol. History. 20th century. Establishment. Azovstal was established in 1930 in Mariupol, Ukrainian SSR (Soviet Union) by the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (BCHX) (USSR) and began production in 1933 when its blast furnace put out the first iron. In January 1935, steelmaking production began at Azovstal with the commissioning of the  first 250-ton tilting open hearth furnace in the Soviet Union. World War II. During World War II, operations were forced to stop in 1941 when Nazi Germany occupied Mariupol. As part of the German (1942–1943) the factory was used to produce ammunition from 1942 onward. In September 1943, upon the city's recapture by Soviet forces, the plant was rebuilt. Ukrainian independence. In 1991, after the independence of Ukraine, the plant became a property of the Ukrainian state. In 1996, the state started its privatization. 21st century. In 2005, the plant produced 5.906 million tons of steel. In 2014 , the bunkers under the factory were used when Russian-backed Donbass separatists tried to take Mariupol from the Ukrainian government. Environmental protests and reforms. As a result of lax environmental regulations and "totally obsolete" equipment used by Azovstal and other Metinvest-owned factories in the city, Mariupol was what National Geographic described as "one of the most polluted cities" in Ukraine. In 2018 and 2019, residents of Mariupol protested in the streets for reform. 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. In March 2022, during the Siege of Mariupol, the works was badly damaged, with Ukrainian parliament member Serhiy Taruta stating that  Russian forces had "practically destroyed the factory". By 16 April, it became the last pocket of organized resistance in the siege. Russian forces gave the defenders until 6:00 AM Moscow Time on 17 April to surrender, claiming that if they left behind their weapons they would guarantee their lives. Ukrainian forces refused to surrender and portions of the plant remained under their control. The factory has nuclear bunkers and tunnels to withstand a nuclear attack. Production. The works included coke production, a sinter plant, six blast furnaces and a steel-making complex. Management. Azovstal iron & steel works was operated as  a subsidiary of Dutch holding company Metinvest B.V. and now it operates as a subsidiary of Metinvest Holding LLC, a subsidiary of Metinvest B.V.