The company's press service said this in a statement seen by Ukrinform.

"Southern Mining and Processing Plant has begun the process of suspending production and temporarily scaling back operations. The decision was prompted by continued attacks by the aggressor state on civilian merchant vessels bound for Ukrainian Black Sea ports, which has effectively brought their operations to a halt," the statement said.

The company stressed that it would continue to meet its obligations to employees and partners and resume production when the security situation allows.

The plant noted that some of the civilian vessels recently targeted by Russian forces were carrying products of Ukraine's steel industry.

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The aggressor's actions have led to the suspension of maritime shipping to Ukrainian Black Sea ports, as shipowners fear for the safety of their crews. At the same time, several shiploads of iron ore intended for export have accumulated both at the ports and in Southern GOK's stockpiles. Unable to continue stockpiling the ore it produces, the plant was forced to temporarily suspend operations.

Southern GOK plans to resume production in August.

The company's workforce is now calling on the authorities to take all possible measures to protect port infrastructure and merchant vessels from enemy attacks. Export-oriented industries such as steelmaking and agriculture cannot fully deliver their products to customers without access to the country's seaports.

As reported, in response to daily attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, the government, together with international partners, is working on solutions to protect export logistics.

Photo: ugok.com.ua