The Serbian government stated Friday that the deadline for the submitting of binding bids for the selection of a strategic partner for the Smederevo steel mill has been extended until June 11.

The government made this decision based on the request of the participants in the tender.

The applications have so far been submitted by United Pilsen S.A. from Luxembourg, Donetsksteel Group from Ukraine and Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company from Russia, the Serbian government's Media Relations Office stated.

The Serbian government decided on April 12 to issue a public call for a strategic partner for the Smederevo steel mill, and the Ministry of Finance invited on April 18 a tender stating May 4 as a deadline for the submitting of binding bids.

Interested buyers need to submit a EUR 1 million guarantee along with their bids.

The steel mill has been in public ownership since the end of January 2012, after it has been purchased for one U.S. dollar from the U.S. Steel that pulled out from Serbia due to incurred losses.

US Steel bought the bankrupt Smederevo steel mill in 2003.

The steel mill employs about 5,500 workers, had a 5 per cent share in the total production in Serbia and about 14 per cent share in export.