Robotic Process Automation to deliver RUB 2 bln in savings across MMK Group by end of 2025

The integration of robotic process automation (RPA) at Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) is expected to result in cumulative savings of RUB 2 billion by the end of 2025, according to Evgeny Tarabaev, the head of MMK’s Economics Department, who spoke at the software robotics conference “Next Connect: Fusion of Technologies” in Magnitogorsk.

MMK has invested approximately RUB 4 billion in a variety of digital solutions and services over the past four years, resulting in savings of RUB 4.7 billion, Mr Tarabaev said. During this period, the Company developed 160 high-tech initiatives and implemented 95 IT projects.

As an example, Mr Tarabaev cited the Optimal Pig Iron system, a model that manages and optimises the process of procuring coal and other metallurgical feedstocks, the composition of the charge, and the loading and operation of blast furnaces. The goal of this system is to produce pig iron with the best price-to-quality ratio possible.

MMK is following all the key trends in IT, including artificial intelligence and related technologies, such as machine vision, big data and language, statistical and robotic models. Advanced process analytics tools like process mining and task mining work in synergy with RPA. In addition, the Company has established a dedicated centre of excellence for the proactive adoption of AI.

Discussing MMK Group’s digital strategy, Mr Tarabaev noted that MMK’s RPA-related costs are quasi-fixed, while the savings are cumulative. “New robots are introduced every year, bringing the Company savings, while existing robots continue to operate and provide ongoing benefits. Savings amounted to around RUB 500 million in 2024 alone, while the cumulative effect since 2019 exceeds RUB 1.2 billion. In 2025, we expect our cumulative savings from automation to be around RUB 2 billion. This is a very powerful tool for optimising work,” Mr Tarabaev concluded.

MMK is an active long-term participant of Metal-Expo exhibitions. Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works is one of the world's largest steel producers and holds a leading position among Russian iron and steel companies. You can meet with the company's specialists in St. Petersburg at Metal-Expo’2025, the 31st International Industrial Exhibition (11-14 November 2025 Saint Petersburg, Russia, CEC Expoforum).

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