Largest Coal Mine in Russia Opens in Siberia

The Siberian News reported that Russia’s largest coal mine, which is to have a 167-year mine life, has been officially opened in Southern Siberia.

As quoted in the market news:

When it is running at full capacity, it is expected that 10 million tonnes of coal will be produced from the new Arshanovsky pit in the Khakassia Republic.

The open-cast mine has met with stiff opposition from local residents concerned about the potential impact on pollution. Some fear drainage systems will be impacted with a threat to water supplies and fish life.

Viktor Zimin, head of the Khakassia Republic, stated:

This is ambitious, but it will have a direct impact on the opening of new industries, the creation of new jobs, and increasing welfare. Without industry, we cannot develop agriculture. We must raise ourselves to this higher status and then our president and prime minister will pay attention to us.

Click here for the full Siberian News report