Russia's top coal base Kuzbass produced 180.3 million tonnes of coal in January-November 2024, down 8% year on year (YoY), according to data released by the Ministry of Coal Industry through Telegram channel on December 17.

By the end of 2024, Kuzbass' total coal production would reach 196 million tonnes, down 8.4% YoY from 214.2 million tonnes in 2023, Governor Ilya Serezyuk said on December 11.

Coal exports stood at 92 million tonnes during the same period, slumping11.9% YoY. The overall cargo shipments also decreased by 9.9% to 158.1 million tonnes.

Coal shipments in the eastern direction increased by 1.4% YoY to 49 million tonnes, while the delivery in the western direction fell 23.4% to 43 million tonnes.

Due to the unfavorable situation in the industry, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the Kuzbass authorities to assess the financial stability risks of coal enterprises and report to the government in a timely manner.

During the visit to Kuzbass, Novak emphasized the importance of the coal industry to the region's economy and pointed out that although the industry has encountered problems such as falling prices and export restrictions, the overall situation remains stable and enterprises are operating normally.