Russia's coal industry is running out of steam
Under the combined effects of Western sanctions, the loss of the European market, and the collapse of prices in Asia, Russia, the world's sixth-largest coal producer, is seeing its industry falter. Nearly a quarter of its companies are bankrupt or have ceased operations, leaving Russian miners without jobs or wages.
“Honestly, we came to work with a smile. The guys really gave their all, everyone worked hard, and we got paid. And then, suddenly, nothing. No pay,” says Roman, an employee of the Spiridonovskaia mine in Kiselevsk, in the Kemerovo-Kuzbass region of Western Siberia.
In this Russian city, nearly a thousand miners have not been paid since May, and the last mine still in operation is preparing to close its doors, reveals the Russian channel RTVI , which visited the site. "Around here, we work either in coal or at Krasnoy i Beloy [a chain of convenience stores selling alcohol and food products]," workers interviewed by the media outlet joke.
The site suspended production in June due to lack of funding, according to the regional Ministry of Mines, interviewed by the Interfax news agency . The wage debt has exceeded 90 million rubles (around 1 million euros), affecting nearly 900 people. Since the end of May, 760 employees have received notice of dismissal, and around 120 have already left the company. Only 130 employees are still providing maintenance, without knowing for how long or with what means they will be paid once the last stocks of coal are used up, says the website.
Courrier International
