27/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 June 2008, the European Commission confirmed that it has sent a 'statement of objections' to several companies suspected of involvement in price fixing on the calcium carbide and powdered magnesium markets. Dutch company Akzo Nobel says it is one of the companies concerned. A spokesman said it was planning to repond to the Commission within the three month deadline. Germany's SKW Stahl-Metallurgie Holding AG has also received a statement of objections from the Commission. Calcium carbide and magnesium powder (or granules) are used in the manufacture of steel to improve the metal's quality and resistance. Both substances purify liquid steel, removing oxygen and sulphur. The industrial process turns calcium carbide into acetylene gas, which is then used for torches and oxyacetylene blowtorches. (C.D.)