Russia's coal exports rose 7.2% year on year in the first eight months of 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, as recovering global prices give Moscow a chance to strengthen the industry's finances.

Speaking at a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin with deputy prime ministers, Novak presented the government's updated coal development program to 2050, Interfax reported. It is aligned with Russia's energy strategy and built around four scenarios based on global coal demand, world GDP structure and the energy intensity of the global economy. It will rely on a new investment cycle, he added.

The plan aims to secure technological sovereignty, develop promising deposits and create new production centers in Eastern Siberia and the Far East. It also seeks to raise Russia's share of global coal trade to 24-27% from 13%.

Domestic consumption is to be expanded by improving coal generation efficiency, advancing coal chemistry and deep processing, and using coal fuel to power data centers, Novak said.

A government statement said the program targets coal output of 662 million tonnes, up from 443 million tonnes, and export shipments of 350 million tonnes, up from 198 million tonnes.

Novak also highlighted an 18% rise in labor productivity over the past five years, Tass reported. He cited support measures in the coal industry, including about 75 billion rubles in tax and insurance premium deferrals for companies accounting for 93% of output, financial recovery programs, and targeted aid through subcommittees aimed at improving stability in the financial sector and specific economic sectors.