Brussels, 22/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 July, the European Commission imposed fines totalling 61,120,000 euros on nine companies for having taken part in an illegal cartel on the calcium carbide powder and magnesium markets. These companies are: Almamet; Donau Chemie; Ecka Granulate; Holding Slovenske elektrarne (for its former subsidiary TDR Metalurgija); Novácke chemické závody and its former parent company 1.garantovaná; SKW Stahl-Metallurgie and its former parent companies Evonik Degussa and Arques industries. Calcium carbide granulates are primary products used in the metal industry. Magnesium carbide granulates are used in the production of acetylene, a gas used in welding. (C.D./trans.fl)