OREANDA-NEWS. On 24 April 2009 was announced, that the Belarusian government will have decided by May 1 on a tender to select an investor in a sheet rolling unit at Belarusian Metal Plant, BMZ, a source in the Industry Ministry told.

The decision will be taken based on the opinion of the head of state, he said. Experts with the Presidential Administration have been estimating the project from the point of view of the risks posed by the situation on the international metal market, lending terms and development of one of the Belarusian iron ore deposits.

BMZ is expected to create a U.S. USD 2 billion sheet rolling unit with the initial capacity of 1.2 million tonnes a year.

The new production will focus on rolled structurals, like car frames and welded pipes. The capacity of the unit may be extended to 3.5 million tonnes a year.

BMZ was established in 1984. Exports account for 85% of the total make.

Steel output of Zhlobin-based BMZ amounted to 2.478 million tonnes in 2008, up 11.9% on the year.

Rolled stock output increased 12.3% on the year in the period to 2.027 million tonnes.

Steel pipe output amounted to 81,870 tonnes.

Hardware goods output increased 7.3% on the year to 306,046 tonnes. Metal cord output rose 11.3% to 96,510 tonnes.

BMZ’s output in monetary terms rose 10% on the year in 2008 to 4.117 trillion Belarusian rubles (Br).