The steelworks in the city of Smederevo, central Serbia, is planning to launch the production of steel in the first half of March, after sufficient quantities of raw materials are delivered to the factory, the plant's management told Tanjug Friday.

Starting the production will largely depend on the stability of the country's transportation system, which is a key factor in delivery, the steelworks said.

Due to bad weather and lack of supply of raw materials, the production in the Smederevo plant was temporarily suspended on February 10, putting the second blast furnace in “silent operation mode.”

Insufficient stocks of coke and ores did not allow for a smooth production process, which is why it was decided to temporarily suspend the production.

The Serbian government became the owner of the Smederevo steelworks on January 31, when it purchased the plant for USD one from the previous owner, the American company U.S. Steel, which decided to withdraw its operation from Serbia due to poor business results.

Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic said earlier that the government had no intention to own and manage the Smederevo steelworks and that it would be good to find a strategic partner as soon as possible.