OREANDA-NEWS. Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, reports that the Federal Railway Transport Agency granted its permission to run wagons along the non-public railway track leading to the Elga coal deposit, which is still under construction.

According to the document, the Ulak-Elga non-public railway track, which is still under construction, is now open to wagons operated by Russian Railways OAO and other transport companies. The approval is valid until July 30, 2015.

The 321-kilometer Ulak-Elga railway track is currently being serviced by Mecheltrans Vostok OOO which ensures cargo shipments, performs maintenance of the railway track's completed part and conducts construction work at the railway. According to the state property registration certificate, the railway track to the Elga deposit is 91% complete.

“Federal Railway Transport Agency's conclusion is an important confirmation that the railway track constructed by Mechel Group and integrated into the Baikal-Amur Mainline structure is being maintained in a technically sound state. Having a transport infrastructure that is ready for operation is important not only for more intensive development of the Elga coal deposit and increased cargo turnover, but also for successful implementation of the Russian coal industry's long-term development program," Mechel OAO's Chief Executive Officer Oleg Korzhov commented.