The Slovenian company SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group, one of Europe’s leading producers of stainless and specialty steel and the largest metallurgical holding in Slovenia, has expressed interest in the facilities of the Nikšić steel plant.
Montenegro’s Minister of Energy and Mining, Admir Šahmanović, held talks with representatives of the company, welcoming their interest, particularly given that SIJ operates according to the highest sustainability standards. He stated that such partners could bring new value and stimulate industrial development in Nikšić.
Šahmanović emphasized that launching steel production based on the model used by the Slovenian group would be extremely important for the factory’s future, noting that circular economy principles represent the best direction for industrial development. He added that the ministry is actively working to identify a reliable long-term partner capable of providing a sustainable solution for the future of the steel plant.
Viacheslav Korchagin, Vice President and CEO of SIJ Group, said the company’s operations are fully aligned with European and global climate goals and based on the principles of the circular economy. SIJ’s production facilities operate as modern electric-arc steelworks focused on recycling, with sustainable production certified by ResponsibleSteel.
The holding company comprises 33 firms and employs around 3,500 workers. It ranks among the three largest steel producers serving the European market. What sets SIJ apart, the ministry noted, is the fact that nearly 80 percent of the materials used in production are recycled, making the group one of the leaders of the green transition in European metallurgy.
The ministry also stated that SIJ Group’s interest in the Nikšić steel plant dates back to an earlier period, while the latest visit aims to conduct a detailed tour of the factory so that the company’s technical and engineering teams can assess its current state and determine whether conditions exist for continuing discussions on potential cooperation.
The ministry concluded that any sound initiative that can contribute to modernizing production, creating new jobs, and strengthening Montenegro’s industrial base—while aligned with the principles of sustainable development—is significant and will be supported by the Government and the Ministry of Energy and Mining.
