MOSCOW, August 30. President Vladimir Putin said that Russia has the second-largest coal reserves in the world and remains a global leader in the market despite current challenges facing this industry.
"Russian coal, coke, iron ore, and other mineral resources, with which nature has so generously endowed the country, today remain one of the foundations of the national economy. Our country has the second-largest coal reserves in the world, ranks third in coal exports, and sixth in production. Russia continues to hold a leading position in the global market, despite the fact that domestic demand for coal is currently experiencing a difficult period, and coal fully satisfies this demand," the president said in a video message to miners on Miner's Day.
Putin said that the industry maintained coal production at 440 million metric tons last year. He also continued to increase labor productivity, which has grown by 18% over five years.
"We will continue to do everything for the development of the coal industry. We will focus on optimizing transport logistics, safety in the workplace, improving the quality of life for miners' families, and developing cities and towns," he added.
Putin said that miners are demonstrating successful adoption of digital innovations and high-performance equipment, proving that "modern coal mining is an industry of the future." He also said that the coal industry must prioritize training of personnel and increase the prestige of mining professions.