On August 29 (Moscow time), according to TASS news agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia possesses the second largest coal reserves in the world, and ranks third in exports and sixth in coal production.
Speaking in a video message to miners on Mine Day, Mr. Putin said that coal, coke, iron ore and many other minerals continue to be one of the foundations of the Russian economy.
Russia continues to hold the leading position in the global market, even though the coal industry is currently going through a difficult period," Putin said.
According to the Russian President, the country also fully meets domestic demand for coking coal and heat coal.
Mr. Putin said that the Russian coal industry maintained production at 440 million tons last year. In the past 5 years, the labor productivity of the industry also increased by 18%.
The Russian President affirmed that Moscow will continue to implement measures to develop the coal industry, focusing on optimizing transportation operations, ensuring labor safety, improving the quality of life of miner families and upgrading coal mining cities and towns.
Mr. Putin also emphasized the role of technology in the modernization of the mining industry. According to him, the successful application of digital solutions and high-yield equipment shows that modern coal mining is an industry of the future.
In addition to technology investment, the Russian President believes that the coal industry needs to focus on human resource training and enhance the attractiveness of mining occupations.
The above statements were made in the context that the Russian coal industry is under great pressure, while Moscow is still seeking to maintain its position in the global mineral market. According to Mr. Putin, coal and mineral resources continue to play an important role in the Russian economy.
