Tribute paid to "black metal" trades

Kosice recently hosted a significant international event. From June 6 through 9 more than 1600 steelmakers and miners from Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic. Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Poland and Serbia gathered in the European Capital of Culture to celebrate the hard, demanding work involved in the "black metal" trades. This was the 15th edition of the European Steelmakers and Miners Days, taking place in this country for the first time, under the patronage of the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gasparovic.
The wide-ranging program included a specialist conference, mineralogical exhibitions and fairs, craftwork demonstrations, and of course the famous "sachtag" (Pit Day) parade, and the whole event was organized by the Kosice Miners and Steelmakers Guild together with its traditional partners. The preparations and running were supported by U. S. Steel Kosice, so Kosice steelmakers were naturally also part of the procession through the city.

Trial operation before the end of August

Implementation of the project for capturing converter gases from Steel Plant 1 is close to completion. The equipment will be brought into trial operation in late August of this year. The complex of structures began rising from the ground in June of last year. In the autumn the principal built parts were complete, the work of HS HSV s.r.o. Kosice, and it was possible to commence the technological activities. All the work during the construction phase was coordinated so that the Steel Plant operations were not restricted.
Many activities were carried out during planned plant down-time. Once the project is fully completed it will be possible to capture converter gas from Steel Plant 1 and send it for burning in the gas boilers of the Heating Plant, thus reducing consumption and purchasing of natural gas and coal required for steelworks operations.

Digital mammograph to improve diagnostics

On Friday, June 7, the Mammary Center for the treatment of breast conditions, the diagnostics of which will be improved with the new digital mammograph machine, was officially opened at Saca Hospital. Purchase of the machine was supported by the employees of the Kosice steelworks in last year's voluntary fund-raising, and also by the company U. S. Steel Kosice and the U. S. Steel Kosice Foundation.
Together with the proceeds from sales of the Slovak-American Cookbook, the Hospital received 105 193.79 euros for the mammograph's installation. At the ceremony attended by Saca Hospital Director Juraj Vancik and invited guests including USSK Vice President Management Services and Administration Elena Petraskova, the symbolic tape was cut by U. S. Steel Kosice President David J. Rintoul.