Mechel OAO is in talks with a potential buyer for its Southern Urals Nickel Plant OAO. The latest round of talks with the potential buyer was held on January 30, 2013. The potential buyer is carefully studying the plant's capabilities and economic condition, and assessing prospects for its future business and development.

The press service of Orenburg Region Governor Yury Berg said the parties have agreed to cooperate on relevant issues of the negotiation process going forward and the another meeting of all interested parties is planned for the second half of February 2013. Mechel declined to comment, Russia & CIS Business and Financial Newswire added.