During a meeting between the governor of the Chelyabinsk region, Alexei Teksler, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, plans emerged to relocate a portion of the hazardous production at the Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant, commonly known as CHEMK, away from the central urban area. The briefing was reported by RIA News and framed as a critical step in balancing industrial activity with public safety and environmental responsibility in the region.
Teksler outlined to the president that CHEMK represents a sizable metallurgical operation. He noted that despite the scale of the enterprise, emission reduction efforts have lagged, and authorities have pressed the plant owners to meet their obligations. The prosecutor’s office has also requested a formal assurance from CHEMK’s management that proper environmental controls and compliance measures will be implemented. Putin acknowledged awareness of these concerns, signaling that safeguarding the health and well being of residents is a priority while keeping industrial activity in the area on a sustainable path.
Putin stated clearly that the city center is not a suitable location for this level of hazardous production. His proposal was to close the current central site and move the operation to a site outside the city where the risks to public safety and the local environment would be substantially reduced. The president emphasized that such a relocation should not compromise local employment or the long term viability of the business. Instead, the plan should ensure continuity of jobs and the seamless integration of the plant’s operations into a new, more advanced technological framework. To achieve this, he instructed the government to bring in investors who can fund the relocation and modernization effort, creating a safer and more productive industrial footprint for the region.
These remarks came in the context of broader statements about Russia’s steady industrial growth and ongoing efforts to modernize essential sectors while improving environmental performance. The discussions signal a strategic approach that seeks to align the needs of regional economies with national priorities for cleaner production, greater efficiency, and resilient job creation. As the plan moves forward, the focus will be on engaging stakeholders, securing investment, and implementing best available technologies to minimize emissions and maximize safety for nearby communities.
The dialogue at the highest level reflects a recognition that large-scale metallurgical operations like CHEMK carry significant responsibility for local air quality, water stewardship, and land use. The goal is to translate public policy into practical action that preserves essential industrial capacity while delivering measurable environmental benefits. By coordinating between regional authorities, the federal government, and private investors, the administration aims to establish a model for responsible industrial transformation that could serve as a reference for other energy-intensive facilities across Russia and beyond.
In summary, the meeting underscored a commitment to relocate hazardous production out of the urban core, maintain employment through transition planning, and move the enterprise onto a technologically advanced, safer footing. The approach combines regulatory oversight, financial support, and strategic investment to reconcile economic activity with public health and environmental protection, reinforcing the narrative of sustainable industrial development in the country as it continues to grow and modernize this critical sector.