Prominent Microalloying Metallurgist Dies

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ANNOUNCEMENT

PROMINENT MICROALLOYING METALLURGIST DIES

Hot Springs, Arkansas; August 6, 2010 — Michael Korchynsky, who pioneered the development of vanadium-nitrogen, high-strength steels that are widely used today, died on August 5 in a Pittsburgh hospital. He was 92 years old and had retired in 2009 from Strategic Minerals Corporation, where he had been a consultant for a major part of his career.

During the 58 years that he worked in the metals industry, Mr. Korchynsky emphasized the economic and technical benefits of using value-added high-strength steels in place of lower-cost carbon steels. He also helped steelmakers understand and take advantage of controlled-rolling and cooling practices that optimized the properties of these steels. His work paved the way for the wide use of vanadium-nitrogen grades in construction, automotive, and other applications.

A native of Ukraine, Mr. Korchynsky earned a Metals Technology degree (Dipl. Ing.) at the Technical University of Lviv, Ukraine. After five years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Germany, he joined Union Carbide Corporation's metals-research facilities in Niagara Falls, N.Y. where he spent 11 years on research. He then worked for Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation for 12 years, during which vanadium-nitrogen steels were developed.

Returning to Union Carbide in 1971, he traveled the world helping steelmakers use Nitrovan® vanadium, a vanadium-nitrogen alloy that efficiently strengthens high-strength steels. When Union Carbide's metals managers bought the vanadium business and formed Strategic Minerals Corporation in 1986, Mr. Korchynsky became a Consultant for the new company.

Mr. Korchynsky has authored dozens of technical papers and holds six patents, including two on vanadium-nitrogen steels. His has received numerous awards and recognitions from all parts of the world, including China's prestigious Friendship Award which he received in 2004.

"Mike was revered and respected by everyone for his knowledge and love of the metals business," said Daniel C. Harris, President of Strategic Minerals Corporation. "He had a patient and caring nature as he passed on not only his technical wisdom but also his values in life. We have missed his presence in our industry and now will mourn his loss in our lives. Mike's many friends and colleagues from around the world join us in extending our prayers and sympathy to his family."

April 6, 2010

For more information, contact

John Crane
telephone: (212)302-3344
email: John.Crane@stratcor.com

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