Russia celebrates 70th Miners’ Day
This year marks the 295th anniversary of coal mining in Russia and 70 years since Miners’ Day was established. Ahead of the big date, President Vladimir Putin paid his compliments to mining industry workers and veterans.
In his congratulatory address, the President noted that Russia’s abundant and diverse mineral reserves had historically positioned it as the world’s leading mining country.
“Coal is rightfully considered one of the greatest natural assets of the Russian land, with coal reserves sufficient to last us more than 500 years. Last year, we invested more than RUB 73 billion in the mining industry and this year’s plans have RUB 90 billion earmarked for this purpose. According to all forecasts, coal will remain among the top three basic energy sources on our planet for decades to come. Russia, in turn, with its tremendous coal reserves, is sure to maintain its leading position”, Vladimir Putin said at a special event ahead of Miners’ Day at the State Kremlin Palace.
Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also extended his greetings on the approaching Miners’ Day. “The history of the holiday has been written by generations of miners, engineers and scientists helping develop the Russian coal industry. Your profession stands highly respected, for only very special people, strong and reliable, choose this truly heroic trade”, the statement by the Prime Minister reads.
Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak stressed that the coal industry was currently on the rise.
“Today, we have 22 coal producing regions, 59 mines, 119 open pits and more than 60 coal preparation plants. Last year, Russia produced over 385m tonnes of coal, a record in the post-Soviet era. This year, the output is set to increase further to 400m tonnes. Simultaneously, labour productivity has improved by a factor of 6.5, with cutting-edge technology and equipment having been introduced and new coal deposits developed. We are facing further modernization challenges, however, as the port infrastructure needs to be improved”, the Minister stated.
The outlook for the mining industry is to be the focus at the relevant sessions of the ‘Russian Energy Week’ Energy Efficiency and Energy Development International Forum in Moscow on 3–7 October 2017.
