Moscow, Russia — December 21, 2011 – Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, reports the appointment of Anatoly Chernakov as the acting Chief Executive Officer of Mechel-Energo OOO.

Anatoly Chernakov has worked as deputy chief executive officer and chief engineer until his appointment as Mechel-Energo OOO’s acting chief executive officer.

Anatoly Merzlyakov, Mechel-Energo OOO’s previous chief executive officer, resigned due to what he cited as family circumstances.

“The year 2011 was quite eventful for Mechel-Energo OOO. Mechel’s power division is developing, expanding its presence in the regions where we have been working and entering new markets. In 2011 Mechel-Energo got five new subsidiaries, and one of the company’s branches became the sole heat supplier for the town of Beloretsk. The company conducted a sweeping repairs campaign and reserved enough fuel. I am sure that the company’s staff will fulfill its chief goal — to provide uninterrupted production and supply of electricity and heat to its customers — at an appropriately high level,” Mechel OAO’s Chief Executive Officer Yevgeny Mikhel noted.