Pokrovsk Coal Mine Remains Operational Amidst Advancing Threats

The coal mine in Pokrovsk, crucial for Ukraine’s steel industry, stays operational despite advancing Russian forces. Ukrainian military repels attacks as Metinvest, the mine's owner, prioritizes worker safety. The mine's potential closure threatens steel production, urging reliance on alternative coal sources to mitigate rising import costs.

In the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, the critical coal mine remains in operation, even as Russian forces inch closer. As of Tuesday, industry sources confirm that the mine continues to supply coking coal vital for the steel sector, despite looming threats.

The Ukrainian military reported that over the last 24 hours, they successfully repelled 31 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk area. The coal mine, located strategically 10 km away from the town and in the opposite direction of advancing forces, remains a linchpin in Ukraine's defense and industrial strategies.

The metallurgical group Metinvest, which owns the mine, has emphasized the importance of worker safety and facilitated the evacuation of employees' families from the frontline. Concerns are mounting, however, about a possible mine shutdown. The closure could lead to a significant reduction in Ukraine's steel production, dropping from 7.5 million metric tons to as low as 2-3 million metric tons in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)