* Q1 net loss $691 mln vs yr-earlier profit of $500 mln

* Co expects to sign debt restructuring deals next week

* Q1 EBITDA loss $474 mln vs yr-earlier profit $853 mln

* Q1 Revenue $1.18 bln, down 49 pct y/y

By Alfred Kueppers (Adds analyst comment, background on debt burden)

MOSCOW, July 10 (Reuters) - Mechel (MTL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) became Russia's fourth coking coal and steel sector player to post a first quarter loss as weak demand and forex losses weighed on its bottom line, though it said a debt refinancing deal is imminent.

The net loss totalled $691 million compared with a year-earlier profit of $500 million in part because the weakening rouble reduced the 2009 figure by $592 million.

"If they continue to show such losses in this area, then it will be difficult to expect profits from them," Deutsche Bank analyst Olga Okuneva said, adding that she assumes the company will be loss-making this year.