By Nelson Banya (Reuters) -ArcelorMittal South Africa has delayed the closure of its long-steel plant operations by a month pending talks with the government to try to save the business, it said on Thursday.

ArcelorMittal SA said it’s up to South Africa to keep crucial steel mills open and questioned the government’s industrial policy. Most Read from BloombergCitadel to Leave Namesake Chicago Tower as Emp

Amsa had planned to shutter its longs division at the end of this month, but this has been delayed by a month as talks continue on further support from the government.

ArcelorMittal South Africa said on Thursday it will delay the closure of its long-steel plant operations by a month, as the steelmaker engages in talks with the government to salvage the business.The company had planned to start winding down the loss-making long-steel business by the end of last month,

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 15% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 8.0% growth forecast for the Metals and Mining industry in South Africa. Performance of the South African Metals and Mining industry.

ArcelorMittal SA’s South African unit said it is considering a rights issue to recapitalize the cash-strapped business, triggering a plunge in its stock.