Kosice, April 13, 2004 - U. S. Steel Kosice continues with additional CAPEX projects to increase productivity.

On April 13th representatives of U. S. Steel Kosice and Messer signed a contract for the construction of a new Air Separation Unit ("ASU "). This capital project, with a completion date of mid 2006, will contribute to improving the quality of steel produced at USSK.

The new ASU is designed to separate oxygen, nitrogen and argon from air. These products will be produced in both liquid and gaseous forms, and will be utilized in ironmaking and steelmaking operations at U. S. Steel Kosice. The new ASU plant will have greater capacity and higher operating efficiency than existing air separation facilities at U. S. Steel Kosice. The ASU will utilize cryogenic technology and produce the gases at a minimum of 99.5% purity. This technology will result in overall energy savings when the plant is operational in 2006.

"This project demonstrates once again USSK's commitment to improving our quality and efficiencies while at the same time adding to our long-term objective of boosting the over-all economy of Eastern Slovakia. " said Christopher J. Navetta, U. S. Steel Kosice President.

On behalf of USSK contract was signed by Christopher J, Navetta, Kenneth Pepperney, General Counsel, on behalf of Messer by Klaus FOERSTER, Senior Manager and Theo Sentis, Executive Director.

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Further information:

Jan Baca
Director Public Affairs
U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.
Tel.: +421 55 673 4476
Fax: +421 55 673 0330
E-mail: jbacausske.sk