Mechel, one of the leading Russian mining and steel groups, has reported successful tests of its new coal export terminal at Port Posiet in Russia's Primorye region. Modernization of the port's facilities will enable the company to significantly increase export to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The project is estimated to have cost some RUB 4.5 billion ($128.5 million).

The first stage of Port Posiet's technical revamping provides for a cargo turnover growth of up to 7 million mt a year. With the new coal export terminal, the port will be able to unload some 400 wagons a day (28,000 mt of coal) and load about 30,000 mt of coal daily onto cargo vessels.

The coal export terminal is due to be launched into further testing and industrial operation in the second quarter of 2014, which will mean completion of the first stage of Port Posiet's technical revamping investment project. The second stage is planned to be implemented in the next few years. The second stage includes construction of a deep-water berth and bottom dredging of the approach channel for Panamax-type vessels of up to 60,000-tonne cargo capacity.