(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukraine’s Southern Mining and Processing Plant has begun suspending mining operations and temporarily reducing production after security concerns forced a disruption to Black Sea export routes used to transport Ukrainian goods.
The company, known as Pivdennyi Mining and Processing Plant, said the decision followed repeated attacks on civilian commercial vessels travelling to Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The attacks have effectively blocked normal shipping operations and created major difficulties for export focused industries.
The company said it remains committed to meeting its obligations to employees and business partners and plans to restart mining operations once security conditions allow.
The disruption has affected shipments of Ukrainian metallurgical products, with the company noting that some civilian vessels recently targeted in attacks were carrying goods from Ukraine’s metals sector.
According to the company, concerns over the safety of crews have caused ship owners to suspend maritime operations to Ukrainian Black Sea ports. As a result, several shipments of iron ore intended for export have accumulated at ports and storage facilities belonging to the company.
The inability to continue exporting existing production has reduced available storage capacity and forced the company to temporarily halt mining activities.
Pivdennyi Mining and Processing Plant expects to resume production in August, depending on the security situation and the restoration of reliable export routes.
The company has called on Ukrainian authorities to take stronger measures to protect port infrastructure and commercial vessels from further attacks. It said export driven industries, including metals and agriculture, cannot fully supply international customers without secure access to the country’s maritime transport network.
Ukraine’s mining and metals sector is a major contributor to the country’s export revenues, foreign currency earnings and industrial employment. Disruptions to shipping routes have increased pressure on producers that rely on international markets for sales.
The company said restoring safe maritime operations remains essential for maintaining production, protecting jobs and supporting Ukraine’s wider economic recovery.
The Ukrainian government, together with international partners, is working on measures to improve protection of export logistics infrastructure following continued attacks on transport and energy facilities.
The latest disruption adds to challenges facing Ukraine’s industrial sector, which has continued operating despite damage to infrastructure, supply chain difficulties and security risks caused by the ongoing war.