Four coal mines were suspended due to a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. This strike comes in the wake of a succession of attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. The country relies heavily on coal for its energy production.
Suspension of exports
The coal mines are located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an area with the largest coal production in Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy, the province produced 55% of the production of this fuel in 2021. The explosion cuts off the electricity supply to the four mines.
Moreover, minors are trapped at first. The equipment, including the ventilation system, was also damaged. Nevertheless, all minors are safe since the attack, according to the official statement.
As a result, Ukraine suspended its energy exports to Europe. The objective was to stabilize the domestic power grid. In addition, the Zaporijjia power plant is currently out of service due to repeated bombings.
An energy crisis
Ukraine’s coal stocks were down to nearly 2 million tons as of September 30 from 2.2 million on the 14th. This decline is due in particular to strong demand from energy producers. The country expects to accumulate 2.5 million tons of coal before the start of the winter season.
The demand for coal in Ukraine extends over a period of 6 months from October 15. Ukraine will extract 29.30 million tons in 2021, with an annual growth of 2%. The government no longer provides data on coal production since the beginning of the war.
Coal mines in the Kryvyi Rih region produce the majority of Ukraine’s total output. Thus, the region’s production will represent about 55% of the country’s total production in 2021. Finally, the country is heavily dependent on coal for electricity and heat production.
