DNIPROPETROVSK, Jan. 12 – Ukrainian metal companies in 2011 will see pretax losses from operations of around UAH 3 billion.

The forecast, which is based on the pace of operations of metal companies in the 11 months ending November 2011, was presented by Metallurgprom Director General Vasyl Kharakhulakh at a meeting of representatives of the mining and metal complex of the country in Dnipropetrovsk on Wednesday.

He said that the total margin of metal companies in 2011 is expected at minus 1.7%.

Kharakhulakh said that only four metal companies saw pretax profits last year: Donetsk Iron & Steel Works (around UAH 21 million), Alchevsk Iron & Steel Works (UAH 620 million), ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih (almost UAH 2 billion) and Dniprospetsstal (UAH 85 million).