Russia’s coal production forecast for 2025 will likely be revised downwards, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.
“Our coal production forecast for this year was 440 million tonnes, but I believe it will be adjusted downwards. The coal industry is currently going through a rather difficult period,” Novak said.
Novak also discussed support measures for the coal sector being considered by the government.
“These measures aim to reduce logistics costs, which have recently increased, including transportation, transshipment and railcar expenses. Proposals to defer tax and social insurance fund payments are also under consideration,” he said.
“We need to ensure the coal industry can continue operating under current conditions,” he said.
The government is also examining ways to stimulate coal exports towards the west, Novak said. “We’ll see how to incentivize this. There are various viewpoints and proposals,” he said in response to a request for clarification.
Coal production reached 443.5 million tonnes in 2024, with 196.2 million tonnes exported, according to data Novak cited in his column for the Energy Policy magazine. The Energy Ministry previously projected 2025 coal production at 2024 levels.
Russian coal companies posted a net loss of 112.6 billion rubles in 2024, compared to a profit of 374.7 billion rubles the previous year.
In mid-March 2025, Russia’s Energy Ministry presented a draft anti-crisis program for the coal industry. The program includes measures to improve logistics processes, develop international cooperation and support coal-mining regions and single-industry towns, as well as proposals for financial and tax support.
One of the program’s main objectives is maintaining coal exports and attracting investments needed to sustain coal production, the Energy Ministry said.