Ukraine cuts coal production 8.9% in 7 mths
KYIV. Aug 3 (Interfax) - Ukraine reduced coal production approximately 8.9% year-on-year in January-July to 41.94 million tonnes, the Coal Ministry told Interfax.
Coking coal production fell 10.4% to just under 14.88 million tonnes, and steam coal fell 8.1% to 27.6 million tonnes.
Coal production was still 15.3% above the target set by the Coal Ministry.
State-owned coal mines accountable to the Coal Ministry reduced production 15.8% year-on-year in January-July to 22.524 million tonnes, including 5.43 million tonnes of coking coal, down 13.4%, and 17.091 million tonnes of steam coal, down 16.6%.
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.