The government plans to close about half of the nation’s 33 state-owned coal mines during this decade

The government plans to close about half of the nation’s 33 state-owned coal mines during this decade, Deputy Energy Minister Maxim Nemchinov said yesterday at the presentation of a presentation of the results of a poll of residents of coal mining towns. The most economically promising mines are around Vuhledar, a Donetsk area which produces both anthracite and bituminous coals. The Ministry is studying British and German experiences with closing mines and retraining and often relocating miners. Last year, the ministry changed its name from Ministry of Energy and Coal Mining to Ministry of Energy and Environmental Protection.