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Ukraine Halts Production at Sole Coking Coal Mine in Pokrovsk, Threatening $4.4B Steel Industry

Jan 13, 2025, 02:05 PM

Ukraine has halted production at the Pokrovsk coal mine, the country's sole source of coking coal essential for its steel industry, due to the advancing Russian troops. The mine, located in the embattled city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, has ceased operations as Russian forces close in, with reports indicating that they are less than 2 kilometers from one of the mine shafts. This stoppage threatens to severely impact Ukraine's steel production, which has already been strained by the ongoing conflict. The mine's closure could lead to a significant reduction in steel output, potentially slashing production by up to 50% and affecting an industry vital to Ukraine's economy, valued at $4.4 billion in metal exports in 2024.