Ukraine cuts coal production 8.4% in 10 mths
KYIV. Nov 2 (Interfax) - Ukraine reduced coal production approximately 8.4% year-on-year in January-October to 59.731 million tonnes, the Coal Ministry told Interfax.
Coking coal production fell 7.9% to just over 21.19 million tonnes, and steam coal fell 8.7% to 38.539 million tonnes.
Coal production was still 14.1% above the target set by the Coal Ministry.
State-owned coal mines accountable to the Coal Ministry reduced production 16% year-on-year in January-October to 31.92 million tonnes, including 7.63 million tonnes of coking coal, down 12.4%, and 24.289 million tonnes of steam coal, down 17%.
Coal production in Ukraine rose 3% in 2008 compared with 2007 to 77.673 million tonnes, including 26.642 million tonnes of coking coal, down 6.2%, but 51.031 million tonnes of steam coal, up 8.5%.
The Coal Ministry has said state-run mines might cut coal output 7.2% to 42.7 million tonnes this year due to falling demand for coal.